Your Rights on Election Day

The Electoral Ordinance (Kiesverordening) guarantees that employees have the right to take time off work to vote. According to Article 39, voting rights time off  from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on December 6, 2024. Employers must comply and allow employees sufficient time to cast their vote.

Details on Time Off for Voting

Article 39 of the Electoral Ordinance

The voting period begins at 8:00 AM and concludes at 7:00 PM. Employers must arrange for their employees to have a minimum of 4 consecutive hours of free time during this period.

Article 40 of the Electoral Ordinance

Employers must inform their employees at least one week prior to election day about their right to take time off for voting. This must be communicated in a manner that ensures everyone understands their rights.

Exceptions to the Rule

Employees who already have 4 consecutive hours off during the voting period are not entitled to additional time off. For instance, workers who are on a shift that falls within the voting window or those who work part-time may not request additional free hours.

Examples:

• An employee working from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM or from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM must have time off during the voting period, but cannot request more than what is already provided.
• Part-time employees working from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM are not eligible for an additional 4-hour break.
• Shift workers from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM also do not qualify for extra time off beyond the initial 4 hours.

Maintaining Salary Rights

Article 628, Sections 4 and 5 of the Civil Code of Aruba state that employees retain their salary during the time off they are entitled to take for voting. This ensures that employees are not financially disadvantaged for participating in the election.

Employer Obligations

Employers are responsible for ensuring that employees who have the right to vote are given sufficient time off during the period voting stations are open. Proper communication and planning are essential for compliance with these laws.

Final Reminders

The Department of Labor and Research urges both employers and employees to review this information and make necessary arrangements well ahead of election day. Your right to vote is essential for democracy, and employers should support this right without complication.

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