Bill > S2208

This bill establishes Election Day (the first Tuesday in November in even-numbered years) as a legal holiday in Massachusetts, with a specific exception that public employees directly involved in election operations will not observe the holiday. The bill also provides a new provision for paid voting leave, allowing eligible employees to take up to 2 hours of paid leave to cast their ballot during either the early voting period, mail voting period, or on the actual election day. Importantly, employees who are already eligible to observe Election Day as a holiday cannot claim additional paid voting leave for biennial general elections. The bill also protects employees from employer retaliation, making it unlawful for employers to interfere with, penalize, or discriminate against employees who exercise their right to take paid voting leave. This legislation aims to make voting more accessible by providing workers with dedicated time to participate in the democratic process without risking their employment or losing wages.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2208