Can an employee take time off to participate in an election campaign?
Verified 25 March 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
An employee has the right to take time off to participate in an election campaign if he is himself a candidate for a parliamentary or local mandate. We present the regulations in force.
All salaried worker be granted a period of absence to participate in an election campaign, provided that he is a candidate for a parliamentary or local mandate.
No seniority requirement no employee is required.
This right is granted to the employee running in the following elections:
- Municipalities
- Departmental
- Regional
- European women
- Assembly of Corsica
- National Assembly
- Senate
- Lyon Metropolis Council
The duration of the employee's absence varies according to the election in which he is a candidate, under the following conditions:
Election Type | Number of working days authorized absence |
|---|---|
Municipal elections | 10 |
Departmental or regional elections | 10 |
European elections | 10 |
Elections to the council of the metropolis of Lyon | 10 |
Elections to the Corsican Assembly | 10 |
Elections to the National Assembly | 20 |
Senate Elections | 20 |
The employee must notify his employer at least 24 hours before the start of each absence (in writing or orally).
The employer may not refuse the employee's request for absence.
Each absence must be at least half a full day.
If the employee does demand, the duration of his absences during his participation in an election campaign may be deducted from his paid leave, within the limits of his acquired rights on the date of 1er ballot.
If these days of absence are not deducted from paid leave, they are not paid.
In this case, these unpaid days may give rise to recovery, in agreement with the employer.
Days absent, paid or unpaid, for participation in an election campaign shall be treated as a period of actual work.
Days absent, paid or unpaid, for participation in an election campaign shall be treated as a period of actual work.
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Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service
For more information on this topic, you can contact Allô Service Public.
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