Activate 48 Applauds Bipartisan Bill to Expand Arizonans Paid Time Off to Vote

Bill would increase paid time off from three to five hours, extend PTO to early voting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2023

PHOENIX — Arizona State Senators Ken Bennett (R-Prescott) and Raquel Terán (D-Phoenix) have filed bipartisan legislation to expand the number of paid time off hours Arizonans have to cast their ballot, as well as extending this coverage to In-Person Early Voting.

Senate Bill 1330 would increase the number of PTO hours for voting from three to five hours, giving Arizona workers expanded access to the ballot box. The bill would also make workers eligible to utilize this PTO for In-Person Early Voting, which is currently not allowed under state law.

“Senate Bill 1330 will provide greater flexibility to hard-working Arizonans who deserve an opportunity to cast their ballot and participate in our democracy,” said Activate 48 Coalition Director Laura Dent. “Passing this bill would put Arizona at the national forefront of employer-paid time off for voting, demonstrating state leaders’ commitment to preserving and protecting our most fundamental rights. We’re grateful for Senator Bennett and Senator Terán’s bipartisan leadership and we encourage the legislature to pass this bill that prioritizes Arizona workers’ right to vote.”

If passed, the bill would make Arizona the state with the highest number of PTO voting hours in the country. The bill also preserves provisions that workers are required to notify their employers of their intent to take paid time off to vote, and that employers are barred from deducting wages for workers who utilize this leave.

A copy of the bill can be found on the Arizona Legislature’s website. Check out FAQs on the legislation here.