Today (Tuesday, November 5, 2024) is Election Day in America. It’s a day when tens of millions of Americans will line up at the polls to choose the next president of the United States.
But despite Election Day being enshrined in federal law as the Tuesday after the first Monday of November, Election Day isn’t a federal holiday. That means many of the establishments that you may find closed on federal holidays like Juneteenth, Labor Day, and Christmas Day will remain open on Election Day.
However, in some states, Election Day is a public holiday, and in these states, some establishments may be closed. Here’s what you need to know about what’s open and closed as America goes to the polls today.
In what states is Election Day a public holiday?
Fourteen states have marked Election Day as a public holiday, according to the nonprofit think tank Movement Advancement Project. Those states are:
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- West Virginia
The designation of Election Day as a public holiday can mean that some establishments are closed in these states, whereas in other states similar establishments will be open.
Are government offices open on Election Day?
As Axios notes, courts and other state offices are closed in states that recognize Election Day as a public holiday.
This means that in the states listed above, courts and government offices will be closed, but in the remaining 36 states, those establishments should be operating under normal hours.
Are banks open on Election Day?
Yes. Most banks will be open today. If you are in a state that lists Election Day as a public holiday, there is a chance your bank may be closed, but it’s not a guarantee. It’s best to check directly with your bank.
And of course, if your bank is closed on Election Day, you can still use online banking services as normal.
Are ATMs open on Election Day?
Yes. ATMs should be operating as normal whether they are located at a bank or elsewhere.
Is the post office open on Election Day?
Yes, the United States Post Office (USPS) is open on Election Day. You can use Post Office services as normal.
Is mail delivered on Election Day?
Yes. The USPS will be delivering mail as normal on Election Day.
Are FedEx and UPS open on Election Day?
Yes, both private courier services are open and operating as normal on Election Day. This includes their physical locations as well as their delivery services.
Is the stock market open on Election Day?
Yes. U.S. stock markets are open on Election Day, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq. U.S. stock markets generally only close on federal holidays, which, as mentioned, Election Day is not.
Are schools open on Election Day?
This depends. In a majority of states, schools will be open as normal. However, public schools in some states that observe Election Day as a public holiday may be closed. For example, as CBS News notes, schools in New York City, the country’s largest public school system, are closed today.
It’s also important to note that many schools are used as polling stations, which can lead to the closure of the school for the day.
Is the DMV open on Election Day?
It could be—but again it depends on which state you reside in. As the Department of Motor Vehicles is a state office, it will likely be closed in states that observe Election Day as a public holiday. In other states, the DMV should be open.
Are restaurants open on Election Day?
Yes, most restaurant chains and independent eateries will be open as normal on Election Day. Some small businesses may be closed to give their employees the day off to vote.
Are retail stores open on Election Day?
Yes, just as with restaurants, most retail stores will be open as normal on Election Day.