Election Day 2024: What’s open and closed?

Election Day 2024: What’s open and closed?
Election Day 2024: What’s open and closed?

After a seemingly infinite stream of political ads, texts, and arguments, Election Day is finally upon us. And while it’s clear that it’s our time to do our patriotic duty, it’s a lot less clear whether we can renew our drivers license or if our kids have to go to school.

Election Day is not a federal holiday, but some states have made it a state holiday. So the impact of today’s polling on your plans for today ultimately comes down to where you live.

Here’s the good news: If you’re looking to do some grocery shopping or early holiday shopping, you have nothing to worry about. No stores close for Election Day. Same goes for restaurants, if you don’t feel like cooking tonight.

Need some help figuring it all out? We’ve got you covered.

Are banks open on Election Day?

They are. Since Election Day is not a federal holiday, banks will operate with their regular hours.

Will there be any mail delivery on Election Day?

Yes. Just as banks set their calendar based on federal holidays, so too does the U.S. Postal Service. UPS and FedEx will have normal operations as well

Is the stock market open on Election Day?

The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and bond markets all will be open for trading today. The next scheduled holiday for Wall Street is Thanksgiving.

Are government offices open on Election Day?

Ok, hang onto something. This is where it gets confusing.

Federal offices and federal courts will be open—and likely busy before the day is over.

However, 19 states, along with Puerto Rico, have made Election Day a civic holiday, meaning all local government offices (with the exception of election offices) are closed if you live in one of the following states:

Delaware

Florida

Hawaii

Illinois

Indiana

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maryland

Michigan

Montana

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Virginia

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Are schools open on Election Day?

There’s not a definitive answer, since there are so many school districts around the country, but it’s a fairly safe bet your kids will either have e-learning or a day off today, since school campuses are often polling places. That could create a child care issue for parents.

Can I buy alcohol on Election Day?

Not too long ago, several states still enforced prohibition-era bans on alcohol sales on Election Day. That came to an end in 2014, however, when South Carolina repealed the provision, becoming the last state to do so. (The ban, dating back to at least 1882, was intended to reduce corruption and bribery during elections.)

Are any retail and grocery stores closed on Election Day?

Nope. Go crazy! No major retailer shuts down for this holiday.

Upcoming event:

Join business’s brightest minds and boldest leaders at the Fortune Global Forum, convening November 11 and 12 in New York City. Thought-provoking sessions and off-the-record discussions feature Fortune 500 CEOs, former Cabinet members and global Ambassadors, and 7x world champion Tom Brady–among many others.

See the full agenda here, or request your invitation.

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