The Ontario provincial election is on Thursday, February 27. Under the Ontario Election Act, eligible workers who are qualified to vote must be allowed 3 consecutive hours free from work to vote while polling stations are open.
Example 1
– You are scheduled to work from 9 am to 5 pm.
– Polls are open from 9 am to 9 pm.
– You already have 3 consecutive hours free to vote.
– Your employer does not need to give you additional time.
Example 2
– You are scheduled to work from 10 am to 8 pm.
– Polls are open from 9 am to 9 pm.
– You do not have 3 consecutive hours free from work while polls are open.
– Your employer must give you additional paid time off your work to vote.
If this additional time off work is required to vote, your employer must pay you your regular pay for those hours. You cannot be punished or have your wages deducted for exercising your right to vote.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an eligible employee?
Eligible workers are those who are: 1) Canadian Citizens; 2) Residents of Ontario; and 3) At least 18 years old on February 27, 2025.
What time are polls open on February 27, 2025?
Polls are either open on February 27, 2025 between 9 am to 9 pm Eastern Standard Time or between 8 am to 8 pm Central Time depending on where you live in Ontario.
Can I decide when I get this additional time off?
No, your employer decides the hours you get time off. If your polling station is open from 9 am to 9 pm, and your shift is between 10 am to 8 pm, your employer can decide whether you get 3 hours free in the morning or the evening.
Where can I find more information about voting?
You can check out the Elections Ontario website to learn more about voting such as voting in advance, voting by mail, and the identification you need to vote.