What are Employer Obligations on Election Day?

June 05, 2018, by HR à la carte | Work Environment and Policies

Ontario Election Day is coming up on June 7, 2018 – what are my obligations as an employer?

According to the Ontario Elections Act, each employee is entitled to 3 consecutive hours to vote.  The polls will be open on June 7, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  If an employee has 3 consecutive hours available to him either before or after his work shift, there is no obligation on the part of the employer to provide the time off.  However, if the employee’s shift is such that she does not have a 3 hour window for voting during the 12 hour voting period, the employer is obligated to provide her with a 3 hour paid leave in order to vote.  The employer cannot have the employee use vacation, sick time or lieu time to cover off the time off.  The employee must request the time off to vote, and the employer must grant the request, however at a time that is most convenient for the employer.

Employees are also able to participate in the election as returning officers.  They must supply their employer with at least 7 days’ notice of this leave and the leave is unpaid. The employee cannot be penalized in any way for taking this leave.

Are you ready for the election?  It may be worthwhile sending out an email announcement in advance to your employees letting them know how your business will be handling it based on your employees’ work schedules.