Using my power for the forces of good.

[saffronhare]

I had a proud moment at work this morning that I wanted to share a bit more widely:

One of my writers (I say they're mine because I'm their supervisor) moped in to work a bit after 9 a.m., disappointed that the lines were so long at her polling place that she had to leave in order to get to work on time. After blinking at her for a moment, I asked her to point out her direct supervisor. Baffled, she pointed at me -- then rolled her eyes and said, "oh..."

After a moment of laughter, I handed her the newest issue of Nonprofit Quarterly and told her I didn't want to see her at work until she had her little I voted! sticker and advised her to at least use the time in line to catch up on some reading.

There are benefits, and then there are benefits.

Comments

[featherynscale.livejournal.com]

You're a hero - I've always said so. Our boss was also lovely enough to give us time to go to the polls today.

[capriciouslass.livejournal.com]

When I mentioned to a coworker today that I had voted early so I wouldn't have to make the time up, he pointed out that Federal law requires employers to give employees time off to vote. I don't know if this is true or not, but he seems pretty knowledgable about such things. Of course, this place would do whatever necessary to get out of giving people the time off.

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

You know, that makes a good deal of sense. I just wish there wasn't a need to legislate that sort of consideration...

it's State law, actually, not Federal

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

State-by-state summary (http://www.toolkit.cch.com/columns/people/04-070voting.asp) of the rules; for Missouri, the employee has to have three uninterrupted hours in which to vote. In Kansas, it's two hours. Both states have some of the highest fines around for violations of this, which is why I know it: being in local government, they give us notice we have an additional hour off today to vote.

But Saff? You still get bonus points for having the consideration voluntarily. :)

Re: it's State law, actually, not Federal

[capriciouslass.livejournal.com]

But Saff? You still get bonus points for having the consideration voluntarily. :)

Seconded!

I was also contemplating this morning that I think we have 100% turnout from the protogrove. How's that for service?

Go go protogrove

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

You're right -- that's awesome! (Like a really good hot dog, not like a hundred billion hot dogs.)

three words:

[zylch.livejournal.com]

Federal Election Day = Federally Mandated Holiday

Re: three words:

[capriciouslass.livejournal.com]

interestingly, that exact comment was brought up at break this afternoon...

Re: three words: federally mandated holiday

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, 'holiday' doesn't mean the same thing to everyone; if you're in the financial sector and the stock/bond/futures markets are closed, sure, you can go home. But the hospitals, group homes, police and fire departments, etc can't just all go home for the day. It's a nice thought, and I'm willing to be convinced otherwise with data from other countries, but do we really want to put those sectors of our population at a disadvantage for voting?

[matchgirl42.livejournal.com]

Wow- wish I had a supervisor like you!!!!