Voting Leave Notice Requirements

As the general election approaches on November 5, 2024, employers in California must ensure compliance with the state’s election laws regarding employee voting rights. California Elections Code section 14001 mandates that employers post a notice informing employees of their right to paid leave to vote, and there are specific guidelines to follow.

Key Requirements for Employers:

1. Notice Posting Deadline: Employers must post the required notice no later than October 26, 2024. This gives employees ten days' notice before the election, allowing them to plan accordingly.

2. Visibility of the Notice: The notice must be conspicuously displayed in the workplace. Ideally, it should be placed in high-traffic areas where employees will see it as they enter or exit the premises.

3. Eligibility for Paid Leave: Employees are entitled to paid time off to vote only if they do not have sufficient time outside of their working hours to do so. Polling places in California are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., which should be considered when determining if an employee qualifies for paid leave.

4. Time Off Regulations: While employees can be given as much time off as necessary to vote, employers are only required to pay for a maximum of two hours. Additionally, employers may require employees to provide two days’ advance notice if they need time off for voting. It’s also permissible for employers to dictate that this time off be taken at the beginning or the end of an employee’s shift.

5. Multilingual Notices: To accommodate all employees, including those who may not speak English, it’s important to ensure that the employee notice is available in multiple languages. Employers can find resources and translations on the California Secretary of State's website.

Conclusion

As the election date draws near, California employers must take these steps seriously. Posting the notice not only fulfills legal obligations but also empowers employees to exercise their voting rights without the added stress of work-related conflicts. Employers' fostering an informed workplace contributes to a more engaged and participatory democracy.

For further information, including resources for employee notices in various languages, please contact your THRM consultant or Edna Nakamoto. Make sure your workplace is ready for the upcoming election—let’s make every vote count!