Do we have to give employees time off to vote and is it paid time?

Although the polls in California are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., some employees still may need extra time before or after their shift because of the location of their polling station in relation to their usual work commute, as well as other problems that may limit their ability to vote.

Employers are required to comply with Elections Code Sections 14000, which may require them to give an employee time off to vote, including up to two hours of that time without loss of pay. Whether the employee is entitled to time off depends on the employee’s specific circumstances.