Election Day is the designated day when voting takes place for an election, though advance voting and mail-in ballots allow many citizens to vote earlier. Federal elections are held on Mondays, with fixed election dates on the third Monday in October every four years (unless an early election is called). Provincial and municipal election dates vary by jurisdiction but are increasingly fixed by legislation. By law, employers must provide employees time to vote if their work schedule doesn't allow sufficient time—federal law guarantees three consecutive hours during polling hours. Polling stations typically operate from morning through evening, with specific hours set by electoral authorities. After polls close, counting begins, and results are typically known that evening except in close races. Election Day is the culmination of the campaign period, when citizens exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives.