How Do I Handle Time Off To Vote?

Time off to vote is a specific leave scenario and should not be recorded as annual holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, family violence leave, or an alternative holiday.

1. Check whether the employee had a reasonable opportunity to vote before work or in advance of polling day.
2. If the employee is entitled to paid time off to vote, leave the relevant ordinary paid time in the pay or use a custom paid leave/pay item for reporting.
3. If an agreed unpaid absence applies outside the voting entitlement, use unpaid leave and keep the reason in the pay note.

Essential-service employees, employees working after 3pm on polling day, and ship crews can have specific rules. Escalate those cases rather than using a normal annual or sick leave deduction.