This Sunday, April 21, Basques are called to vote to elect the representatives of the Basque Parliament. But, how can I vote if I work on election day?
All citizens have the right to be absent from their workplace to vote in regional elections if their working hours coincide by more than two hours with the opening of the polling stations.
If it coincides in less than two hours, it is understood that the person has time for the rest of the day to vote and therefore the work permit is not granted.
It is a paid leave, so at the end of the month these hours cannot be deducted from your payroll. This is established by the Workers’ Statute, which confirms that “essential time” must be available to vote.
At the time of voting, it is advisable for the person in question to ask the president of their polling station for proof to prove that they have been absent from work to exercise a right recognized in the Constitution.
Every worker has the right to vote, and those who work on election day may request a permit if their workday falls on more than two hours. In the event that the permit is rejected by the company, the worker can report the company to the IT (Labor Inspection).
If you work the night before election day, there is the possibility of requesting the night off, but it will not be paid. Likewise, if a citizen requests to change their shift, the company must grant it so they can rest the night before voting day.
On the other hand, if the night falls on election day, the company will not be forced to facilitate a shift change or give the worker time off.
If you are chosen by lottery as a member of the polling station, you will be obliged to go to the polling station and not go to work. Yes, you will have a reduction in work hours of 5 hours the next day.
