Is Election Day a federal holiday? What's Open and Closed – NBC New York

Election day is just around the corner. In a few hours the final votes for the 2024 presidential election will be cast.

However, it is not a federal holiday. Only five states, including New York, recognize Election Day as a federal holiday and require employers to provide employees with paid time off to vote.

Another nine states, including New Jersey, recognize Election Day as a state holiday but do not enforce this mandate. Connecticut does not consider it a state holiday. Employers can of course make their own arrangements.

All of this means that while people go to the polls to cast their votes, others are running errands as usual. Here is a list of what will be open and closed on Election Day.

Are banks open on election day?

Election Day is not a federal holiday, which means most banks will be open. However, some local branches may be closed. So be sure to check a specific location before heading out.

Are schools open on Election Day?

In New York City, schools are closed on Election Day to make voting easier as many of them become polling places. In New Jersey, most public school districts are also closed on Election Day. Check this database here for your own. For private and parochial schools in the Garden State, it depends on their individual school calendar. Check them out here.

In Connecticut, it's up to each county. Some public school districts are open half days. Others, like Hartford, have opted to close. Check your local school calendar for current information.

Is the post office open on election day?

Yes, since it is not a federal holiday, the post office will be open as usual on Election Day and mail will be delivered as usual.

Are shipping services open?

Yes. Shipping services such as UPS and FedEx will be open on Election Day. Offices are open and packages are being delivered.

Is the stock market open on election day?

The stock markets will remain open on election day.

Will local transport function normally on election day?

Yes. NJ Transit, PATH, NYC subway and buses, Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road and other mass transit options will operate regularly on Election Day.

Are the courts open? What about the DMV?

State offices in states that recognize Election Day as a holiday, including New York and New Jersey, will be closed on Election Day. This means the court system is off and you won't be able to find any appointments at the DMV. Other state administrative offices in New York and New Jersey are also closed. In Connecticut, where Election Day is not recognized as a state holiday, many state offices are likely to be open.