Employee Voting Leave in Missouri

Any person entitled to vote at any election in Missouri is entitled to take time off to vote on election day between the time the polls open and when they close. Employers are not permitted to discharge or threaten to discharge employees for taking time off to vote and the employee may not be subject to any penalty or discipline for taking time off to vote.

Paid time off rules. If an employee takes time off and does vote, no deductions may be made from the employee's usual salary or wages.

Advance notice requirements. Request for time off to vote must be made prior to the election day.

Amount of time off allowed. An employee may take up to three hours off to vote.

When time off not allowed. Time off to vote need not be provided if the polls are open for three successive hours when the employee is not at work. The employer may specify any three hours between the time the polls open and when they close during which employees may take time off to vote.

Employer Penalty for Violation. Fine of up to $2,500 and/or 1 year in jail.