California Elections Code section 14001 mandates that all employers inform employees about their rights to take paid leave for voting in statewide elections. Here are the key points: 

• Notice Posting: Employers must post an Election Day notice 10 days before a statewide election. This Election Day notice must be posted by Saturday, October 26, 2024. The Notice should be visible in the workplace or where employees enter or exit. Employers with remote workers should consider: 
  • Posting the Notice internally in a prominent and easily accessible online space (e.g., the company’s intranet); and 
  • Sending an internal communication letting all employees know where/how the Notice can be viewed/accessed; or 
  • Emailing a copy of the notice to all remote employees.  

• Eligibility for Paid Time Off: All employees are eligible for paid time off to vote if they do not have sufficient time outside working hours. Employees can take as much time as needed to vote, but only a maximum of two hours is paid. Employers may require advance notice and can specify that the time off be taken at the beginning or end of the shift. 

Free notices can be downloaded from the California Secretary of State’s website.