Is Election Day a holiday? Can I leave work to vote in California? Here’s what to know
California voters have until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to cast their ballots in the 2024 general election.
With Election Day landing in the middle of the work week, many Californians might find themselves needing to take early morning trips, extended lunch breaks or evening dashes to the polls after work to vote.
Why isn’t Election Day a federal holiday — and do California voters get the day off work or school?
Here’s what to know:
Why is Election Day on a Tuesday?
In the United States, Election Day has been held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November since 1845, according to History.com.
It’s a decision that stems from the country’s past as a largely agricultural society.
November was ideal because it followed the fall harvest and avoided the challenges of winter travel.
“Since people often traveled at least a day to vote, lawmakers needed to allow a two-day window for Election Day,” according to History.com. “Weekends were impractical, since most people spent Sundays in church, and Wednesday was market day for farmers.”
With this in mind, Tuesday was chosen as the most practical day of the week for Election Day.
Is Election Day a federal holiday?
There are currently 11 federal holidays, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Election Day is not one of them. This means California voters do not get the day off work or school.
While Election Day isn’t a federal holiday, some states do recognize it as a holiday with voting accommodations.
Illinois and West Virginia are among the states that have designated Election Day a holiday, with employers required to allow time off for voting.
Though California does not recognize Election Day as an official holiday, state law requires employers to allow paid time off for employees who need to vote.
Could Election Day become a federal holiday?
In February, U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, introduced the Election Day Holiday Act, a bill that would designate Election Day as a federal holiday to boost voter participation.
“No one should be unable to vote because they have to work or care for a family member,” Eshoo said. “Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and Congress must make it easier to vote, not harder.
“With a presidential election this year, it’s imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to the right to vote and ensure every voice is heard. Our democracy depends on it.”
For the act to take effect, it would need approval from U.S. Congress and the U.S. president’s signature.
The bill, which was previously filed in 2021, is currently awaiting committee.
Have a question about the 2024 election season?
Ask the California Service Journalism Team.
You can submit questions directly to our reporters by emailing servicejournalists@sacbee.com or by filling out the form below. We have reporters covering election news in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, San Luis Obispo and Merced.
This story was originally published November 4, 2024 at 1:38 PM with the headline "Is Election Day a holiday? Can I leave work to vote in California? Here’s what to know."
