COLUMBUS, Ohio – Several Ohio Democratic state legislators are pushing to make Election Day a paid holiday in the state.
Lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 335, which would designate Election Day as “Democracy Day,” requiring employers to provide workers with a paid day off to vote.
Under current Ohio law, employers are required to give employees a “reasonable amount of time” to cast a ballot, but the law does not mandate paid time off or specify how much time must be provided.
Supporters of the bill say a paid holiday would remove barriers for voters who struggle to get to the polls because of work schedules, transportation issues, or long lines. They argue the change would help increase voter participation and ensure more Ohioans can take part in elections.
The proposal is expected to face debate in the legislature, where Republicans hold majorities in both chambers. Senate Bill 335 has been introduced but has not yet been scheduled for committee hearings.
