The September 11 Day of Remembrance Act requires employers to provide employees with at least two hours of paid time off to vote in federal elections. This ensures that all workers have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process without losing pay or employment benefits.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The September 11 Day of Remembrance Act requires employers to provide employees with at least two hours of paid time off to vote in federal elections. This ensures that all workers have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process without losing pay or employment benefits.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Time Off to Vote Act </strong></p> <p>This bill requires an employer, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election.</p> <p>The employer may determine the two-hour period, excluding any lunch break or other break. </p> <p>Taking such leave shall not result in the employee losing accrued employment benefits.</p> <p>The bill makes it unlawful for an employer to interfere with the right to take such leave or for an employer to discriminate against an employee for taking such leave. Further, the bill makes it unlawful for any employer to retaliate against an employee for (1) opposing any practice made unlawful by this bill; (2) filing a charge, or instituting or causing to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this bill; or (3) testifying or preparing to testify in an inquiry or proceeding relating to such leave.</p> <p>The bill specifies penalties for employers who violate these provisions.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Employers must provide employees with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid time off to vote in federal elections.
Employers cannot interfere with or retaliate against employees who take this time off to vote.
The bill specifies penalties for employers who violate these provisions.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would affect all workers in the United States by giving them protected time to vote in federal elections without facing financial or professional consequences. This could increase voter turnout and make the political process more accessible to everyday Americans.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Government Operations and Politics
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5322, 119th Congress (2025). "September 11 Day of Remembrance Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5322
