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Voting on Election Day – An Employee’s Entitlement to Vote

Section 162 of the Electoral Act 1993 sets out the responsibilities of employers in respect of allowing any employees working on election day time off to vote.

General Employees

Any employee who has not had a reasonable opportunity to vote on election day before starting work, must be allowed to leave her or his work for the purpose of voting no later than 3pm for the remainder of the day. An employer cannot make deductions from the employee’s remuneration for the time taken off.

Employees Carrying Out Any Essential Work or Service

Any employee who is required to work after 3pm for the purpose of carrying on any essential work or service must be allowed to leave her or his work for a reasonable time earlier in the day for the purpose of voting. An employer cannot make deductions from the employee’s remuneration in respect of the time taken off, provided it does not exceed 2 hours.

Crew of Ships

A master of a ship in port in New Zealand shall, at their request, allow any crew members who are registered or qualified electors of the electoral district the ship is located within, to go ashore to vote. 
 
 
There are various offences set out in section 162 relating to employers who do not comply with their responsibilities. The maximum fine is $1,000.