Rep. Rogers Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Employees Seeking to be Poll Workers

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Elgin Rogers Jr. (D-Toledo) and Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) have recently introduced House Bill (HB) 180 to provide additional protections for Ohioans who volunteer to work the polls on any registration or election day.

HB 180 prohibits adverse employment actions against employees who are absent from work while serving as, or training to be, precinct election officials. 

“Ohio is currently facing a shortage of poll-workers which, in turn, makes the voting process more difficult for citizens. This bill, if passed, will ensure that our statewide elections have adequate staffing and that every part of our election process is efficient and accurate” said Rep. Rogers.  

The bill will prohibit employers from taking disciplinary action against an employee for attending training or serving as an election official. Additionally, employers will be prohibited from requiring employees to use their annual, vacation, or sick leave to perform their duties as long as they give reasonable notice of absence. 

The legislation awaits a House committee assignment.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Reps. Rogers and Klopfenstein dropping the legislation is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Rep. Klopfenstein’s office.