It’s important for employers to understand their responsibilities in providing employees with time off to vote. Both federal and provincial election laws in Ontario require employers to ensure that employees have sufficient time to cast their ballots. Here’s what you need to know:
Federal Elections (Canada Elections Act)
- Employees must have three consecutive hours during polling hours to vote.
- If an employee’s work schedule does not allow for this, the employer must adjust their hours to provide the required time.
- Employers cannot deduct pay or penalize employees for taking time off to vote.
- The employer decides when the time off will be granted.
Example: If polling hours are 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM, and an employee works 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, they do not have three consecutive hours to vote after work. The employer must adjust their schedule, such as allowing them to leave at 6:30 PM instead of 7:00 PM.
Ontario Provincial Elections (Ontario Election Act)
- The same three-hour rule applies for provincial elections in Ontario.
- Employers must ensure employees have at least three consecutive hours off during polling hours to vote.
- Employers cannot penalize employees or deduct wages for the time taken to vote.
- The employer determines when the time off will be provided.
Employer Action Steps:
✔ Review employee schedules on election day.
✔ Adjust work hours if necessary to provide three consecutive hours to vote.
✔ Ensure employees do not face penalties or pay deductions for voting time.
✔ Communicate these policies clearly with employees in advance.
By following these regulations, employers can help ensure that employees exercise their right to vote while maintaining compliance with federal and provincial laws. For more details, visit Elections Canada or Elections Ontario websites
