It’s Not Too Late: If You Live in These 23 States, You Can Take Time Off to Vote on Short Notice.

On Tuesday, millions of registered voters will line up at polling places across the country to participate in arguably the most important midterm election of our lifetimes. One of the most important questions leading up to this election is who will actually show up to vote: midterms are historically known for low voter turnout, especially from younger professionals who claim they cannot escape their 9-5 to cast their ballot.

If you’re guilty of this, you may not actually have a valid excuse. Did you know that more than half of the states in the U.S. require businesses to give time off to their employees to vote? This handy chart of time off to vote laws by state explains it all.

In all, 29 states require employers to give registered voters time off to exercise their right to vote. And although Election Day is only one day away, 23 of them require little to no notice in advance:

One day notice:

•  Illinois
• Kentucky
• Wisconsin
• Missouri*
• Arizona*
• Iowa*
• Nebraska*
• Nevada*
• Oklahoma*
• Tennessee*
• Utah*

No advance notice:

• Arkansas
• Colorado*
• Ohio*
• Wyoming*
• Alaska*
• Georgia*
• Hawaii*
• Kansas*
• Minnesota*
• New Mexico*
•  South Dakota*
• Texas*

The starred states indicate those who give paid time off to vote – anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the state.

I’m sure by now you’re fed up with all of the seemingly hyperbolic demands to vote in this election. But this year, what seems like rhetoric may not actually be an exaggeration: the outcome of these midterms has the potential to profoundly affect the political landscape of the country for years to come.

Your state’s representatives and senators are up for election – politicians who likely have more of a direct effect on your daily life than the President. If you’re unhappy with the current climate in your state, voting can help inspire improvements at the local level – while also affecting change at the federal level. If you don’t necessarily agree with the current direction of the Executive branch, electing a Congress that is on your side can help keep his actions in check.

If you have any more questions, consult your human resources department for more information. But if you live in any of these states, please exercise your rights and vote!