"By voting, we add our voice to the chorus that forms opinions and the basis for actions." Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO
On October 28, 2020, the Secretary of the Department of Labor of Puerto Rico issued Opinion No. 2020-04 to clarify employers' obligations and employees' rights during the General Election Day.
November 3, 2020 is Puerto Rico's General Election Day, with voting areas open between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. During General Election Day all private commercial establishments can operate normally during their regular schedule provided they allow all employees to exercise the right to vote. Most establishments that sell or provide alcoholic beverages are not allowed to do so between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm but some exceptions are available for tourist areas, hotels, cruise ships and duty-free zones.
Employees that are scheduled to work during General Election Day and that are unable to vote early or vote outside their work schedule, must be granted a special paid leave of up to two (2) hours to vote. This special paid leave will not count against any other leave bank the employee may have. Failure to allow and employee to vote may be considered a felony with potential criminal charges of up to three (3) years in prison and fines.
