Do you want to be on the Electoral Commission? You are entitled to time off and wage compensation

What are the barriers to general interest work – and why you may not just be interested in the election

There will be situations in life when a person needs to leave a job for other, socially important duties. This is where the concept of ‘public interest barriers to work’ comes into play.

The Labour Code takes into account that sometimes an employee needs time to carry out an activity that benefits the whole of society, even if it is not his or her normal job. In such a case, he is entitled to time off work, whether it is hours, days or even weeks.

In addition to serving on the Election Commission, general interest work restrictions include:

• holding office as a municipal or regional representative,
• attending civil protection or crisis management training,
• serving as a juror in a court of law (presiding judge),
• participation in volunteer activities authorised by law,
• working in an elected trade union function (in some cases).

It is therefore not a privilege, but an enshrined right that has a firm place in the legal order. Yet it is often in the context of elections that employees and employers first encounter this institution – and may be confused.

Are you supposed to be at work when you’re on the commission? Definitely not

If you have been appointed to the Electoral Commission – whether as a member, vice-chair or chair – you are legally entitled to time off work. This is not just on the days of the vote itself, but also for training, room preparation, counting and other election-related activities.

Your employer cannot prevent you from doing this. This is not a voluntary gesture, but an obligation under the Labour Code. If he or she tries to force you to work despite your appointment, he or she is breaking the law and you can defend yourself – for example, by contacting the labour inspectorate or a lawyer.

Some employers look surprised or say they have never heard of such a thing. Others say they will give you time off, but without pay – this is wrong too. The law is quite clear on this point. If the employee meets the conditions and provides proof of appointment to the board, he or she must be released from work.

But what is important: inform the employer as soon as possible. Ideally in writing, so that he or she has enough time to plan the operation and arrange for any representation.

Will you get paid? Yes

One of the most common questions is: Will I get paid if I don’t go to work because I’m on the commission?

The answer is: Yes, and twice.

1. Commission pay – this is the amount each commission member receives directly from the state. The amount varies depending on the position and the scope of the activity. In the past, the amounts were commonly between CZK 1 800 and CZK 2 200 per election day. In the case of elections lasting two days, the amounts are increased.
2. Wage compensation – if you would normally work during the days of the election (or preparations), you are entitled to wage compensation from your employer. The employer must pay it to you, but can then have it reimbursed by the state.

The condition is that the employer must provide the necessary documents – appointment to the commission, time off, calculation of the compensation. This is not a complicated process, but it is good for the company to know how to do it correctly. Many employers are still afraid of losing money – and quite unnecessarily.

If you suspect that your employer is withholding wages or acting illegally, you have the right to defend yourself – for example, by contacting the National Labour Inspectorate or contacting a lawyer.

How much interest is there in participating in electoral commissions?

Every election is a logistical colossus – there are several commission members working in just one constituency, and there are thousands of such constituencies. In 2021, more than 73,000 people were appointed to commissions. And demand is still high.

There are interested people:

• students and retirees looking for extra income,
• public and private employees,
• people who want to influence the fairness of elections,
• citizens motivated by reward and social contribution.

Most commissioners are needed in local elections, which take place in several places, but they are also essential in parliamentary, European and presidential elections.

How to deal with the employer: from notification to proof of participation

If you have been appointed as a member of the Electoral Commission, there are some simple but important steps to take:

Announce your participation as soon as possible

Inform your employer as soon as you receive the decision to appoint you to the commission. The sooner you do this the better – ideally at least a few weeks before the election.

• Form of notification: It is advisable to notify in writing – by email or letter – so that everything is verifiable.
• What to say: State that you have been appointed to the precinct election committee and include information about the dates when training, room preparation, the actual voting and any vote counting will take place.

E.g.: “On 10 September 2025, I was appointed by decision of the Mayor as a member of the Precinct Election Commission for the general election to be held on 3-4 October 2025. I request to be released from work for the necessary period of time in accordance with Section 203 of the Labour Code, as this is an obstacle to work for reasons of general interest.”

Proof of appointment

Attach (or provide later) a copy of the appointment decision issued by the municipal authority. This document confirms that you are actually carrying out the activity which entitles you to leave.

After the election, provide proof of participation

After the election, you must prove to your employer that you actually participated in the commission. This is done by:

• a certificate of participation in the election commission – issued by the relevant municipal authority (typically the chairman of the election commission).
• If you earned wage compensation for the time you participated (e.g. it was for normal working days), your employer must pay it and can then claim it from the state.

Smaller companies in particular may be uncertain about the administrative process that follows. The Home Office therefore publishes annual guidance on how to claim compensation.

Summary: Helping at the polls is your right – and the state has your back

Participation in the Electoral Commission is not a fad or an unpaid “job”, but a socially important activity that the state supports legislatively. Employees are entitled to time off, pay and compensation – and employers are entitled to compensation.

Don’t be discouraged or disheartened – if your employer tells you that participation in the committee is not a reason for absence from work, he or she is wrong. And if they don’t know how to handle compensation, you can help them with the right information.