Virginia Voting Leave Law (2026)

Whether Virginia gives you time off to vote, how many hours, and whether that time is paid.

No state requirement Verified Jul 6, 2026

Compiled and verified by David Scott · Verified Jul 6, 2026

Virginia does not require voting leave, but Election Day is a state legal holiday set aside for voting.

Voting leave in Virginia

Time off required?

Paid?

No state requirement

Good to know

Most voting-leave laws only apply when your work schedule does not already leave you enough time to vote, often two or three consecutive non-working hours while the polls are open. Where leave is required, the employer can usually decide whether you take it at the start or end of your shift. Early voting and mail-in ballots can change what applies to you. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Virginia voting leave FAQ

Does Virginia give you time off to vote?

No. Virginia does not require employers to give time off to vote for adult private-sector employees.

Is voting leave paid in Virginia?

Virginia has no voting-leave requirement, so there is no paid time to vote under state law.

Do I have to tell my employer in advance?

Notice rules vary by state. Many states require you to request voting leave before election day, so it is safest to ask your employer ahead of time.

Where can I confirm the official rule?

You can find your state election office through Vote.gov, linked on this page.

David Scott

David Scott compiles and verifies minimum wage rates, tipped wages, and overtime rules from official state and federal labor department sources, and re-checks every page when rates change. See how the data is sourced.