California State Law on Release to Vote

California law regulates when employees may be given time off to vote. California law also includes provisions on employee notices and employer requirements imposed on employees.

Employee Notice

• Employers in California are required to post a notice to employees stating provisions for taking paid leave for voting in state elections. The notice must be posted at least 10 days before the election, according to the California Secretary of State. The notice must be posted either in the workplace or where it can be seen by employees when entering and exiting work.

Paid Time Off

• Employees in California are eligible for paid time off for voting when they lack sufficient time outside of working hours for voting. Paid leave may not exceed more than two hours.

Advance Notice

• In California, employers may require employees to give advance notice to request time off for voting.

Employee Shift

• California law permits employers to require time off for voting to be taken at the beginning or end of an employee shift.