Old Navy Is Paying Its Employees to Work the Polls This November

While Starbucks, Apple, and Walmart have dedicated time off for their employees to vote this Election Day and both Uber and Twitter gave their employees the day off so they'd have plenty of time to vote, Old Navy is taking a different approach. According to Vogue, the San Francisco-based retailer will pay employees if they choose to work the polls on November 3, whether or not they're scheduled to be working in-store that day.

Inc. reports that there's a huge shortage of poll workers in America — approximately 250,000 people — due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a host of other reasons. That means that there could be huge lines at polling places and possible delays in ballot counting.

Partnering with Civic Alliance and Power the Polls, Old Navy is offering its more than 50,000 store employees the chance to be a poll worker without losing out on their normal pay (corporate employees aren't eligible). Power the Polls will work with the company to train employees in Election Day procedures and facilitate the application process for any interested employees. Ultimately, local counties choose who gets to work the polls, though Power to the Polls will connect interested Old Navy employees with the people they need to contact for possible Election Day employment.

According to a press release from Old Navy, 64% of field employees are between the ages of 18 and 29, "the segment of the population with the lowest voter turnout." That doesn't just boost poll workers, it could boost voter turnout, since those people will be ready to cast a vote when they're working the polling place.

"Voting is for everyone, regardless of beliefs or affiliations, and we believe we are all better when we engage in the process," a company spokesperson told Fortune. "We felt this opportunity was a new and unique way to provide the opportunity and encouragement to our employees in stores across the country to become more involved in the democratic process without worrying about sacrificing a shift at work. This election has the potential for a historic turnout, and our teams can help make a difference in our communities."

Participation is voluntary for all employees and is the first time that Old Navy has had an Election Day initiative. The company also declared that November 3 will be a "no meetings day" for corporate employees, so they can vote without fear of missing an important event.

"As a company, we believe that participating in the democratic process is a vital right, and we are committed to removing roadblocks so employees don’t have to choose between serving or voting and work," a spokesperson for Old Navy added.