Election Day is just around the corner, and we want to ensure you're well-informed about your rights and obligations as an employer. Here's everything you need to know.
Time Off to Vote:
According to the Election Ordinance, employers must grant four consecutive working hours off between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Election Day for employees who are entitled to vote unless the employee already has four consecutive hours off during this time by other means.
Who Is Entitled to Vote?
To vote, an individual must be of Dutch nationality, a resident, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. They must also be registered in the Population Register (Bevolkingsregister) as of September 18, 2024, and have received a convocation notice (oproepingskaart). If this notice is missing, the employee can request one from the Census Bureau or their designated polling station.
What Does "By Other Means" Mean?
Employees who are already off for at least four consecutive hours during voting times are not entitled to additional time off. This includes scheduled days off, partial workdays with at least four consecutive hours free, and special leave such as parental leave or vacation.According to the Election Ordinance, employers must grant four consecutive working hours off between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Election Day for employees who are entitled to vote unless the employee already has four consecutive hours off during this time by other means.
Employer Obligations:
You must notify your employees of their scheduled time off for voting at least one week before Election Day.
Example Shifts and Time Off Entitlement:
We’ve included an example table below highlighting various shifts and whether employees working these shifts are entitled to four hours of paid time off for voting.
Polling stations will be open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Alcohol Sales on Election Day:
To maintain order and ensure a smooth election process, alcohol sales will be prohibited from 6:00 PM on December 5th until 6:00 AM on December 7th.
Supermarkets and similar establishments may remain open but are prohibited from selling alcohol.
Hotels and lodgings may sell alcohol, but only to registered guests.
Restaurants may remain open but likely cannot sell or serve alcohol, except Airport restaurants may serve alcohol to departing or transit passengers.
Snack bars may stay open but are expected to suspend alcohol sales.
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