Voters in Ontario are heading to the polls to elect a new provincial government on Feb. 27 after Premier Doug Ford called a snap election in the wake of threatened tariffs from the United States.
Under law, employers in Ontario are required to provide time off for employees to vote — or to serve as election officials.
Three consecutive hours
Employees who are eligible to vote must also have three consecutive hours to cast their ballot while polls are open. This year, polls are scheduled to be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. If an employee’s work schedule does not allow for three consecutive hours during this window, they can request additional time off, and the employer must grant it. Employers cannot deduct pay or impose penalties for the absence.
By way of example, an employee who finishes their shift before 6 p.m. or starts after noon would not need additional time off — as they would have three consecutive hours available to vote while not on the job. The timing of the time off for voting is at the employer’s discretion, meaning businesses can schedule it in a way that minimizes disruption.
Poll officials and returning officers
Under the Elections Act, employees who are appointed as poll officials or returning officers can take unpaid leave if they request it at least seven days in advance. Employers cannot penalize or dismiss employees for taking this leave. However, they are not required to provide pay during the absence, and the time off cannot be deducted from vacation entitlement.
Voting options
- Apply to vote by mail before February 21 at 6 PM (Eastern Time) to receive your voting kit in the mail. Elections Ontario must receive your completed voting kit by 6 PM (Eastern Time) on February 27 to be counted. Your voting kit will include a write-in ballot on which you will have to write the candidate’s given name (or initials) and surname.
- Vote in person at your local election office from January 30 until 6 PM (Eastern Time) on February 26. Remember to bring your ID.
- Vote at any advance voting location in your electoral district from 10 AM to 8 PM (Eastern Time) from February 20 to 22. Remember to bring your ID.
- Vote at your assigned voting location on election day from 9 AM to 9 PM (Eastern Time) on February 27. Remember to bring your ID.
Voter eligibility
To be eligible to vote in the provincial election, you must be:
- 18 years of age or older;
- a Canadian citizen; and
- a resident of Ontario.
