California bill that would allow farm workers to vote in union election by mail headed to governor’s desk

Farmworker union elections typically take place at work—AKA on employer property. But thanks to legislation passed by California lawmakers earlier this month, farm workers may soon have the option to vote from home, CalMatters reports. AB 616 is considered a win by worker advocates, who say that it effectively gives workers the ability to vote by mail. It also comes at an opportune time: Earlier this summer, the Supreme Court overturned a state law that required employers to allow union reps to meet workers before or after their shifts on grower property, a change that dealt a blow to labor organizers. AB 616 is now waiting for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.