We’ve heard this story many times before, an employee needs to go vote but they can’t due to their work schedule. What are your voting rights as an employee in Canada and especially in Ontario? As a Canadian employee, you have protected rights to ensure you can participate in the democratic process.
This guide explains what time off you’re entitled to for voting, how to request it, and what to do if your employer resists.
Your Voting Rights as an Employee: The Basics
The Consecutive Hours Rule
Under the Canada Elections Act, eligible voters must have three consecutive hours available to vote during polling hours. If your work schedule doesn’t allow for these three consecutive hours, your employer must provide time off.
How It Works:
- Check local polling hours for your electoral district
- Compare polling hours with your work schedule
- Determine if you already have three consecutive hours available
- If not, your employer must give you enough time off to create that three-hour window
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: No Time Off Required
- Local polling hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Your work schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- After work, you have 3.5 hours to vote (5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
- Result: Your employer is not required to provide time off
Scenario 2: Time Off Required
- Local polling hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Your work schedule: 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Before work: 1.5 hours available (8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)
- After work: 1 hour available (7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
- Result: Your employer must adjust your schedule to create a three-hour window
Provincial Variations
While federal elections follow the three-hour rule, provincial elections may have different requirements:
| Province | Required Time | Notable Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | 3 consecutive hours | Standard nationwide rule |
| Quebec | 4 consecutive hours | More generous than the federal standard |
| British Columbia | 4 consecutive hours | More generous than the federal standard |
| Ontario | 3 consecutive hours | Consistent with federal rule |
| Alberta | 3 consecutive hours | Consistent with federal rule |
Paid Time Off: Your Entitlements
- Your employer cannot deduct pay or impose penalties for the time you take off to vote
- This protection applies to all types of compensation:
- Hourly wages
- Salary
- Commission-based pay
- Piece work
- The employer decides which hours you can take off, as long as the three-hour requirement is met.
How to Request Time Off to Vote
Step 1: Check Your Schedule
- Determine if you already have three consecutive hours during polling times
- If not, calculate how much time off you’ll need
Step 2: Make Your Request
- Request time off in writing at least one week before election day, if possible
- Sample request:
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to request time off to vote in the upcoming [federal/provincial] election on [date].
Based on my scheduled shift ([start time] to [end time]) and local polling hours ([start time] to [end time]), I do not have the legally required three consecutive hours to vote.
I’m requesting [specific accommodation, e.g., “to leave work at 5:00 p.m. instead of my usual 6:30 p.m.”]. I understand this time is to be provided without loss of pay. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Step 3: Follow Up
- If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, follow up in person
- Document all communications regarding your request
What If Your Employer Refuses?
- Restate Your Rights
- Remind your employer of the legal requirements
- Refer them to the relevant election act
- Provide a copy of this guide if helpful
- Document Everything
- Note the date, time, and content of all conversations
- Save emails or written communications
- Record names of witnesses to verbal conversations
- File a Complaint
- Federal Elections: Contact Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868
- Provincial Elections: Contact your provincial electoral body
- Employment Standards: Contact your provincial employment standards office
- Seek Legal Advice
- Consider consulting an employment lawyer
- Contact a legal aid clinic if cost is a concern
Special Employment Situations
- Part-Time and Multiple Jobs: Each employer has an independent obligation, so consider which job requires accommodation based on your full schedule.
- Remote Workers: The right applies based on your local polling hours. Different considerations for work-from-home situations!
- Interns: Both paid and unpaid interns qualify for voting time protections.
- Shift Workers: Night shift and rotating schedule accommodations and planning for extended shifts
Alternative Voting Options
Even with workplace protections, you may prefer other voting methods:
- Advance Polls: Vote on designated days before election day
- Mail-in Ballots: Request a mail-in voting kit
- Special Ballot: Vote at any Elections Canada office before election day
Know Your ID Requirements
To vote, you need to prove your identity and address. Options include:
- One piece of government-issued ID with your photo, name, and address
- Two pieces of ID, both with your name and at least one with your address
- Take an oath and have an eligible voter from your polling station vouch for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my employer ask me who I’m voting for?
A: No. Your voting choice is private and your employer cannot ask for this information.
Q: Can my employer require proof that I voted?
A: No. You cannot be required to prove you actually voted.
Q: What if I work remotely from a different province?
A: Your voting rights are based on the polling hours in your voting district, not your employer’s location.
Q: Does this apply to advance polling days?
A: No, the time off requirement applies only to general election day.
Q: What if I’m a new employee or on probation?
A: Your employment status doesn’t affect your right to vote.
Checklist for Voting Rights as an Employee
Confirm the election date and local polling hours
Compare polling hours with your work schedule
Calculate if time off is needed
Submit a written request to the employer
Receive confirmation of accommodations
Know your voting location and ID requirements
Have a backup plan if issues arise
Document any problems encountered
Report violations if necessary
Additional Resources
- Voting Rights in the Canadian Workplace: Complete Guide
- Employer’s Guide to Election Day Obligations: Are You Legally Obligated to Give Your Employees Time Off to Vote?
- How Career Edge Impacted an Election
- Elections Canada website
- Elections Ontario website
- Employment Standards Act
- Legal Aid Resources
* Updates and Amendments: This guide is regularly updated to reflect the most current legislation. Last reviewed: May 2025