Employers can face fines, jail time for not allowing workers time off to vote

By Val Matthias. Updated 7:46 p.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

With just over a week to go before Vincentians head to the polls, the Labour Department has issued a public advisory reminding employers and workers of their legal rights and obligations on Election Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025.

The notice, circulated via social media and public channels, clarifies that while Election Day is a regular working day, employees must be given reasonable time off to vote. The advisory cites Section 39 of the Representation of the People Act (Cap. 9), which prohibits employers from penalizing staff for exercising their right to vote.

“Employers MUST allow employees reasonable time to go and vote,” the statement reads. “NO deductions, penalties, or negative consequences are allowed for taking this time. Interfering with an employee’s right to vote is an offence and can lead to fines or imprisonment.” Additionally, Employers cannot impose pay deductions, issue warnings, or take any negative action against staff who exercise this right. If an employee encounters obstruction or interference in their ability to vote, they are encouraged to report the matter to the Labour Department or other relevant authorities to ensure accountability and uphold democratic participation.

Labour officials emphasized that the law protects workers from intimidation or obstruction and encouraged employees to report any violations to the relevant authorities.

“Exercising your right to vote is important, and the law supports you in doing so while maintaining regular work obligations,” the department stated.

Ensuring that workplaces facilitate voting is central to fair participation, especially in a competitive election where small margins can determine outcomes. Clear, proactive compliance by employers helps reduce bottlenecks at polling stations, protect worker rights, and reinforce public trust in the process.

The Labour Department’s message comes amid heightened political activity across the country, with both major parties the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) ramping up campaign efforts in anticipation of a tightly contested race. The reminder aims to safeguard voter turnout and ensure that workplace obligations do not hinder civic participation

As the campaign enters its final stretch, the Labour Department’s advisory serves as a timely reminder that democratic participation must be facilitated not hindered by employers across all sectors.

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