Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA Today Network/Palm Springs Desert Sun
California’s general election is coming up fast.
Although ballots have already hit mailboxes statewide, some voters may still choose to vote in California in person on Election Day.
But if you’re scheduled to work on Election Day, you may be wondering: Can I take time off to vote in California?
Here’s what California law says about taking time off from work to vote.
Can I take time off from work to vote in California?
If a worker doesn’t have enough time outside working hours to cast a ballot, California law may allow them to take time off to vote. Workers must take their time to vote either at the beginning or end of their shift.
How long can I take off from work to vote in California?
Workers can take as much time off as they need to vote, but employers must pay for up to two of those hours.
Do I have to give my employer notice?
California law states that workers who know they will need time off to vote should notify their employer at least two working days in advance.
When will polls be open on Election Day?
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day on Nov. 3.
Other ways to vote in California
In addition to voting in person, you can also cast your ballot by mail or at a drop box.
If you vote by mail, it must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3. Officials recommend getting a manual postmark from a postal worker inside a United States Post Office if you’re mailing your ballot on Election Day. County elections officials must receive your ballot by Nov. 10.
You can return your ballot in person at your county elections office or at any polling or ballot drop-off location by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
To find your nearest drop box, you can visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov to find your nearest drop box, polling place or vote center location.
How to track your November ballot
You can track your ballot’s status using the state’s Where’s My Ballot tracking tool.
The service, powered by BallotTrax, lets voters see when their vote‑by‑mail ballot is mailed, received, and counted. It also allows you to sign up for automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notifications about your ballot’s status.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun.
Related: California ballot drop boxes are open. Here’s how to find one
