Elections are coming up, employers in Ontario must be aware of their legal obligations to ensure that employees can exercise their right to vote without facing penalties. This includes ensuring employees have adequate time to vote, regardless of their work schedule or location.
Under the Ontario Elections Act (1990), employers are required to provide employees with a minimum of three consecutive hours to vote while the polls are open. With polls typically operating from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, employers must grant this time off during those hours, ensuring employees can cast their ballots without interference.
Keep in mind, organizations that operate within “normal” business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) will generally not have to award additional time off as employees will have 3 consecutive hours to vote in the evening.
“Importantly, this time must be paid, and employers are prohibited from imposing any deductions or penalties for employees choosing to exercise their voting rights” says Olivia Cicchini, HR, and Employment Law expert at Peninsula Canada, HR consultancy firm.
To avoid disruptions, employers are encouraged to plan ahead, creating scheduling templates that allow for smooth operations during the election period. Flexibility is key businesses should be prepared to accommodate last-minute requests for time off to vote and ensure clear communication with staff on voting policies.
Additionally, employees wishing to serve as poll officers or election officials are entitled to job-protected, unpaid leave with at least seven days’ notice.
Employers must also extend the same voting rights protections to remote workers, ensuring they are given three consecutive hours off to vote in person, just as those in physical offices are entitled to. While voting by mail is an option, employers cannot mandate it, and employees must be free to choose their preferred voting method.
By upholding these legal requirements, employers not only comply with Ontario’s law but also support civic engagement, reinforcing the values of fairness and democracy. Employers are urged to review policies, plan ahead, and ensure employees are aware of their voting rights as Election Day draws near.
