Civilian excused absences for voting explained Published Feb. 29, 2016 Civilian Personnel EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- With the Florida primaries happening March 15, here is some guidance regarding civilian employees excused absences for voting. The following is to help ensure civilian employees have the opportunity to vote. IAW Chapter 10.4. of AFI 36-815, Absence and Leave, the following guidelines should be considered when granting excused absence for voting: Generally, where the polls are not open at least three hours either before or after an employee's regular work hours, supervisors may grant a limited amount of excused absence that will permit the employee to report for work three hours after the polls open or leave work three hours before the polls close, whichever requires the lesser amount of time off. If an employee's voting place is beyond normal commuting distance and voting by absentee ballot is not permitted, supervisors may grant excused absence (not to exceed one day) to allow the employee to make the trip to the voting place to cast a ballot. If more than one day is needed, the employee may request annual leave, another leave category (i.e., comp time, time-off award, credit hours) or leave without pay for the additional period of absence. Additional information regarding voting in the three primary counties surrounding here can be found at websites provided below. Okaloosa County Santa Rosa County Walton County If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your servicing smployee relations specialist.