R 241328Z OCT 12

ALCGCIV 009/12
SUBJ: EXCUSED ABSENCE FOR VOTING FOR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES
A. OPM Compensation Memorandum 2012-07, dated 5 October 2102
1.  In accordance with Ref A, the following guidelines apply when
granting excused absence for voting on Election Day, November 6,
2012, or in any other upcoming election.  Typically, polling places
are open for extended periods of time and excused absence is rarely
needed.
2.  Excused absence may be granted to provide an employee with a 3
hour window of time to vote either - before or after - their
regularly scheduled workday (whichever requires the lesser amount of
time-off).  For example, if an employee is scheduled from 8am to
4:30pm and their polling place is open from 7am to 7pm, up to 30
minutes of excused absence from 4pm to 4:30pm, may be granted.
3.  Excused absence may NOT be granted if an employee is scheduled
from 8am to 4:30pm and the employees polling place is open from 7am
to 8pm, since the employee would have at least 3 hours after the end
of their work schedule to vote.
4.  Extended Commuting Distance.  If an employees voting place is
beyond normal commuting distance and vote by absentee ballot is not
permitted, excused absence (not to exceed 1 day) may be granted.  If
more than 1 day is needed, the employee may request annual leave or
leave without pay for the additional period of absence.
5.  Early Voting.  Employees are encouraged to take advantage of
early voting if offered in their jurisdiction.  Excused absence may
be granted for early voting when the employee is unable to vote on
the day of election because of activities directly related to the
agencies mission (such as travel) and they cannot vote by absentee
ballot.  Also, excused absence may not be granted if an employee
works a compressed or other alternative work schedule, and early
voting falls on their scheduled day off.
6.  Leave requests must be coded Admin/Excused Absence and approved
by your supervisor.  For questions regarding coding contact your
timekeeper or supervisor.
7.  For more information regarding guidelines and eligibility contact
your Command Staff Advisor or Human Resources Specialist.
8.  Cynthia Nelson-Possinger, Chief, Office of Civilian Human
Resources sends.
9.  Internet release authorized.