Will banks, and schools be closed in US for 2024 Election day?

As the United States prepares for Election Day on November 5, many residents are left wondering whether schools, banks, post offices, and shipping companies will be operational.

While Election Day is not recognised as a federal holiday, its observance varies across states.

Most state offices will close on this day, and 24 states, alongside the District of Columbia, provide paid time off to vote. Other states offer unpaid time off for this civic duty. However, for those who also need to attend to routine errands, the good news is that most banks, post offices, and shipping services will continue regular operations.

Are banks open on Election Day?
Branches of major banks, including Bank of America, Truist, PNC, Capital One, and Wells Fargo, will remain open during their standard operating hours on Tuesday, November 5. Additionally, banking services such as ATMs and online banking will be accessible as usual throughout the day.

Are schools open on Election Day?

Election Day 2024 is a significant day for voters and students alike as many schools across New Jersey, New York City, Illinois, and San Antonio will be closed.

In New Jersey, the day is a state holiday, which means that public school districts statewide will be closed to allow many schools to function as polling places. Parents are encouraged to check with their local district to confirm whether their child’s school will be open, as this can vary. Increased security concerns have led several districts to close schools to prevent students from being present in buildings used for voting.

New York City public schools will also observe the day off. Students will not attend classes on Tuesday, with schools acting as voting sites. Classes will resume on Wednesday, November 6, after a break that includes prior holidays, such as Diwali.

In Illinois, Election Day is officially designated as a state holiday, meaning K-12 public school students will not be required to attend classes. Schools that close for the day can serve as polling locations. Private and parochial schools are not mandated to close, and students in those institutions may still have classes.

In San Antonio, at least seven school districts will observe the day with closures, allowing for schools to serve as polling sites. While not all districts will close, several have designated the day as a holiday or teacher workday. Parents are advised to check the schedules of individual districts to confirm which schools will be open or closed.

Collectively, these closures aim to facilitate the voting process while prioritising the safety and well-being of students.

Is the post office open on Election Day? Will mail be delivered?
Yes, post offices will be open, and mail delivery will proceed as scheduled on Election Day, since it is not designated as a federal holiday.

Are shipping services, like UPS and FedEx, open on Election Day?
Both UPS and FedEx will offer their usual pickup and delivery services on November 5, and their retail locations will also be operational.

As citizens head to the polls, they can rest assured that these essential services will be available to accommodate their needs throughout the day.