California Law Allows Time Off to Vote on Election Day

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY – To help Californians exercise their right to vote, state law allows workers to take up to two hours off work to vote if they are unable to vote during non-work hours.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our daily routines. This includes changes to work schedules for so many. So it’s even more important that Californians make a plan to vote ahead of Election Day,” said Secretary of State Alex Padilla. “Every registered voter has a right to cast their ballot before the polls close on November 3. If you can’t make it to your polling place outside of working hours, you have the right to take time off to vote, without a loss of pay. Understand your rights as a voter. Make the necessary arrangements with your employer.”

California Elections Code section 14000 allows workers up to two hours off, without a loss of pay, to vote if they do not have enough time to do so during their non-work hours. The law requires workers to notify their employers two working days before the election if they need to take time off to vote.

Also, every California employer is required to post, in a visible location, a notice informing employees of their rights at least 10 days before an election. The Secretary of State’s office offers these free, print-ready notices in 10 languages at: sos.ca.gov/elections/time-vote-notices

Polling places remain open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day. Many counties will have early in-person voting options opening on October 31.

Californians can find their polling place here. Find early voting locations here.

For useful information on the candidates and issues for local elections in Concord and Clayton, CA, click here.