Providing time off for employees to vote: Do you know your obligations as an employer in British Columbia?
The 2026 British Columbia general election will be held on October 24, 2026, to elect members of the Legislative Assembly to serve in the 44th Parliament of the Canadian province of British Columbia.
As an employer in British Columbia, it's important to be aware of your legal responsibilities regarding employee voting time.
Ensuring compliance not only supports a healthy democracy but also keeps your business compliant with provincial law.
Here's what you need to know:
Time Off to Vote
Employers must provide employees who are entitled to vote with time off to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
Duration of Time Off
Employees are entitled to up to four consecutive hours free from work to cast their ballots. This does not mean they receive four hours off if they don't need it, just enough time to ensure they have four consecutive hours available during voting hours.
Scheduling Time Off
Employers have the right to designate when the time off will be taken. For instance, if voting hours are from 8 AM to 8 PM, and an employee's shift ends at 3 PM, the employer does not need to provide additional time off as the employee already has more than four consecutive hours available to vote.
No Deductions or Penalties
Employers cannot deduct pay or penalize employees for taking time off to vote. The time off must be paid as if the employee worked those hours.
Exceptions
Certain industries, such as transportation, may have specific exceptions.
Federal vs. Provincial vs. Municipal
While the general principles are consistent, always check for any specific regulations related to the type of election and current updates from Elections BC or Elections Canada.
Failure to comply
Failure to comply with section 74 of the Election Act is an offence and, upon conviction, an employer may be liable to a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not longer than one year, or both.
By adhering to these guidelines, you help ensure your employees can exercise their democratic rights without any undue hardship. It also promotes a fair and equitable workplace environment.
For more detailed information, visit the Elections BC or Elections Canada websites.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need assistance developing policies for your workplace, please contact our team.
