With the upcoming November 5, 2024 election, employers are reminded of California’s voting leave law.

Voting Leave

California employers must grant employees up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they don’t have enough time outside work hours. Employers may require employees to give advance notice that they will need such time off for voting. Employers may limit the time off to be taken only at the beginning or end of the employee’s shift, whichever provides the greatest opportunity for voting and minimizes the time away from the regular work schedule, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon.

Employers also may not discipline any employees who take time off to serve as election officials in statewide elections. However, employers are not required to pay employees for the time they are absent from work to serve as election officials.

Notice Requirement

Employers must also post a notice to employees advising them of their rights to take paid leave to vote in statewide elections at least 10 days before a statewide election. For the upcoming November 5, 2024 election, employers have until October 26, 2024 to post the notice. The notice must be posted either in the workplace or where it can be seen by employees as they enter or exit their place of work. The notice can be found here.

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If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact our Labor & Employment attorneys or the primary EGS attorney with whom you work.