The California statewide general election is November 3, 2026. Under California Elections Code section 14001, every California employer must post a notice informing employees of their right to take time off to vote at least ten days before a statewide election. That deadline is tomorrow, October 24.
What the Law Requires
Per California Elections Code section 14000, employees who do not have sufficient time outside of working hours to vote at a statewide election may take as much time as needed to vote during working hours. Only two hours of that time must be paid. If an employee has sufficient time outside of working hours to vote, voting leave does not apply.
Time off to vote must be taken at the beginning or end of the employee's regular work shift, whichever allows the most free time for voting and the least time off from work, unless the employer and employee agree to a different arrangement.
Employees who know they will need time off to vote must notify their employer at least two working days before the election.
The Posting Requirement
California Elections Code section 14001 requires every employer to post a notice setting forth the provisions of section 14000 conspicuously where employees can see it as they come or go to their places of work. This applies to all California employers regardless of size.
For remote employees, you may also distribute the notice electronically. However, electronic distribution supplements the physical posting requirement and does not replace it. For employees who never report to a physical workplace, consider distributing the notice by email and asking them to print and retain it, or mailing a hard copy.
Where to Get the Official Notice
The California Secretary of State provides free, print-ready notices in multiple languages at:
"Time off to Vote" Notices
The notice is available in English, Spanish, and eight additional languages. Download it, post it today, and distribute it to remote employees.
What to Do Today
- Download the official notice from sos.ca.gov/elections/time-vote-notices
- Post it conspicuously where employees can see it as they come or go to their places of work, by October 24
- Distribute it electronically to remote employees as a supplement to physical posting
- Train managers: employees who need time off to vote must give at least two working days' notice, and time off must be taken at the beginning or end of their shift
- Document when and how the notice was distributed
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
