Voting Message for UCCS: 2024 Election Cycle
Colorado Voting Time Off Requirements
As we approach the upcoming 2024 elections, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of civic engagement and the vital role each of us plays in shaping our community and future through voting. By casting your ballot, you are making your voice heard and influencing the issues that matter to you and your family.
To support your participation in the electoral process, UCCS wants to remind everyone of Colorado's voting time off requirements. Under Colorado law, employees* are entitled to up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they do not have three or more hours outside of their working hours to cast their ballot.
Notification:
If you need time off to vote, please inform your supervisor in advance to avoid adverse impacts to university operations. Supervisors may need to designate voting hours at the beginning or end of a work shift to accommodate multiple employee schedules and coverage needs.
Paid Time Off:
Eligible employees will be granted up to two hours of paid administrative leave to ensure you can exercise your right to vote. If you need additional time off beyond the two hours, you may use your accrued vacation leave.
Sufficient Time:
Consider your work schedule to determine if you need this time; if you have sufficient time to vote outside of working hours on the day of the election, you are not eligible for the two hours of administrative leave. Remember to consider options such as the use of early voting and mail-in ballots.
Timekeeping:
In the MyLeave system, please use the Administrative Leave code for tracking up to two hours away from work if you are unable to vote outside of working hours. For employees using timekeeping systems other than MyLeave, please follow your department’s timekeeping guidelines.
Additional Information
We encourage everyone eligible to vote to participate in this important civic duty. Additional voting and election resources are listed below:
- Colorado Secretary of State 2024 Election Information
- City of Colorado Springs 2024 Election Information
- Vote411.org (non-partisan voting resources in all 50 states)
- University of Colorado Political Campaign Activity & Expression Guidelines
- On campus voting options for El Paso County residents:
- Ballot drop-box accessible 24/7 on the UCCS campus on the southwest entrance of University Center.
- In-person polling station for early voting through election day in Kettle Creek room 108.
*Note: Out of state employees should look to their individual state voting resources, early voting options, and polling locations to determine how best to vote in their state. Out of state employees are authorized for up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they do not have three or more hours outside of their working hours to cast their ballot, or the state’s allocated paid time off for voting, whichever is greater.