As Antigua and Barbuda prepares for an upcoming electoral event, the Office of the Labour Commissioner has issued a formal public reminder to all employers across the nation regarding their legal obligations to support worker participation in the democratic process. Under the terms of Section 34 of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2001, every business and organization must grant all registered voters on their payroll a guaranteed block of four consecutive hours off from work to cast their ballot on polling day. Critically, this time off must be provided with no reduction to an employee’s regular pay, and no financial penalties, disciplinary action, or other repercussions can be imposed on workers for taking this legally protected leave.
The legislation also outlines clear penalties for employers that fail to comply with this mandate. Any employer that directly or intentionally refuses to grant the required voting time, or uses intimidation, undue influence, or any other underhanded tactic to interfere with an employee’s right to vote is considered guilty of a criminal offence. Following a summary conviction, non-compliant employers face a maximum fine of three thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars, or a custodial sentence of up to twelve months in prison.
This reminder underscores the government’s commitment to protecting accessible voting for all citizens, removing workplace barriers that could prevent eligible voters from exercising their constitutional right to participate in elections. By codifying paid time off for voting into law, Antigua and Barbuda’s legislative framework aims to ensure that working residents do not have to choose between earning a paycheck and participating in the democratic process.