With the general election just around the corner, DWD would like to remind you that you have protected rights to engage in certain political activities.
You have the right to vote
Wisconsin law protects the right to vote. Individuals have the right to take up to three successive hours off work to vote, no matter the size of the employer or the type of business. However, employees must notify their employer before election day that they intend to be absent to vote, and an employer can decide what time in the workday the employee is excused to vote. See Wis. Stats. §6.76. Individuals with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations to vote.
Wisconsin law considers it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee for declining to attend a meeting or to participate in any communication about political matters. See Wis. Stats. §111.321. Employers may offer meetings or communications about political matters, but attendance and participation must be strictly voluntary. See Wis. Stats. §111.365 (3)(c).
You are protected against discrimination
For employers
Employers should be mindful of enforcing any policies regarding political activity or communication fairly and equitably. For example, if an employer has a policy about political signs in cubicles or offices, enforcing that policy with regard to certain political causes but not others may be seen as discriminatory.
