Time Off to Vote

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each election day

If you are scheduled to be at work during that time and you do not have sufficient time outside of working hours to vote at a statewide election, California law allows you to take up  to two hours off to vote, without  losing any pay.

​You may take as much time as you need to vote, but only two hours of that time will be paid.

Your time off for voting can be only at the beginning or end of your regular work shift, whichever allows the most free time for voting and the least time off from your regular working shift, unless you make another arrangement with your employer.

If three working days before the election you think you will need time off to vote, you must notify your employer at least two working days prior to the election.

NOTICE TO EMPLOYERS REGARDING EMPLOYEE TIME OFF FOR VOTING

State law (California Elections Code section 14001) requires employers to post a notice to their employees advising them of provisions for taking paid leave for the purpose of voting in statewide elections.

A sample of this notice has been printed on the opposite side of this page for your convenience.

This notice must be posted conspicuously at the place of work, if practicable, or else-where where it can be seen as employees come and go to their place of work, not less than 10 days before every statewide election.

If you have any questions about this  notice or other election related information, please contact the Secretary of State’s Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).​​​