Many of you are asking yourselves the crucial question: can I exercise my right to vote on Sunday? March 10 while working? It's a legitimate concern, especially in the run-up to the elections that will redefine the composition of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, a fundamental institution in the country's democracy. With this in mind, let's take a closer look at the legal provisions surrounding the right to sufrágio, as well as the obligations of employers and the measures taken to facilitate the exercise of this civic duty, even for those called upon to work on that day.
Election Sunday at work: Am I entitled to time off for the elections?
For the record, direct and universal suffrage remains one of the greatest and most cherished achievements of the Revolution of April 25 1974. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of this key moment in Portuguese democracy, the country is preparing to vote to redefine the composition of the Assembly of the Republic.
The right to vote is enshrined in the catalog of rights, freedoms and guarantees of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, representing not only a right but also a civic duty. Although Portuguese legislation does not impose any pecuniary or penal sanctions on those who fail to fulfill this duty - unlike, for example, in Argentina, where voters aged between 18 and 70 are liable to a fine if they fail to vote - it is nevertheless a duty to be respected, with the law establishing mechanisms to guarantee the effectiveness of this right/duty.
The legislator has not forgotten those who, due to the nature of their profession, work on the day designated for elections. Thus, Article 82 of the Electoral Law of the Assembly of the Republic (LEAR) stipulates that it is the employer's duty to release the employee for the time required to exercise the right to vote.
In interpreting this text, criteria of reason and common sense must be applied, as workers must ensure that they are able to exercise their right to vote, by being registered in their area of residence, which will most likely correspond to the place where they carry out their professional activity.
On March 10, you can make use of this option by going to the polls and, if necessary, taking time off work to exercise your right to vote.
