With Election Day fast approaching, academic staff should be aware of their voting rights and the resources the state and campus provide to enhance participation in the political process.
If you can’t find time to vote outside of work, UW–Madison policy states that you may vote during scheduled work hours as long as you provide your supervisor with a written request prior to Election Day. You can arrange a flexible schedule that will allow you to vote, use your earned paid leave, or take an unpaid leave of absence.
Additionally, all sick-leave eligible academic staff are entitled to leave with pay to serve as an election official during work hours on a public, special, primary, or general election day. Academic staff must provide their supervisor at least seven days’ notice of application for leave to serve as an election official and submit the UW–Madison Employee Request to Serve as an Election Official form along with verification from the municipal clerk of their appointment as an election official. Academic staff are encouraged to make such requests as soon as they know they will serve.
Details on acceptable work leave for voting or service are available in the Leaves of Absence for Voting and Serving as an Election Official policy.
On Election Day you can only vote at your designated polling place (find it here). You will need to bring an acceptable photo ID, and, if you are registering, proof of residence. Polls open at 7:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. Everyone in line at 8:00 pm gets to vote. All locations are accessible, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Academic staff are free to volunteer for, and donate to, political campaigns. Yet, as university employees, academic staff need to adhere to State law and Regent policy when it comes to political campaign activity that includes, among other things, solicitation of campaign contributions; advocating, volunteering, or working for candidates, political parties, or political action committees; and advocating a particular position on a referendum. Further, comments regarding the specific actions, positions, or records of a particular candidate may be perceived as support or endorsement by the institution of a particular candidate or political party.
To help academic staff navigate campus rules around campaign activities, UW-Madison recently issued Political Activity and Public Advocacy on Campus: Guidelines for Fall 2024. The guide provides clear information on rights, restrictions, and links to resources. Employees and supervisors with specific questions regarding political campaign issues or employee speech regulations should request a consult with the Office of Legal Affairs for further guidance.