As American voters cast their ballots on November 5, 2024, to determine the next president, one wonders who will have his doors open or close on that historic day. This is because Election Day is crucial to the country: most national polls pit incumbent Democratic candidate Kamala Harris against former President Donald Trump on equal footing. While not a federal holiday, some states have declared November 5 a public holiday to help encourage voter turnout. Here is what will open and close across the United States on Election Day 2024.
Also read : New York’s Attorney General James Reminds New Yorkers Of Election Protection Hotline Ahead Of Election Day
State Holidays and Closures
Election Day is not a federal holiday, but a few states have taken measures to allow citizens more voting flexibility. Five states, New York, Maryland, West Virginia, Hawaii, and Illinois declared Election Day a public holiday. Offices were thus closed on that day, including some courts and administrative buildings. States like New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Virginia, Michigan, Montana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Indiana declared the day a public holiday but did not require its employees to vote. The closures cut across various government offices, and state courts; however, federal offices shall remain open.
Schools shall be subjected to partial closure
School closing or non-attendance day in major cities, such as New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and so on. This is partly for security reasons, and school facilities are also used as polling stations. Parents and students should get a copy of the calendar for local school districts. Not all states close schools, so attendance policy is district to district.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Most banks will be open on Election Day 2024 across the nation. That will be true of most of the large chain banks, but some regional branches within certain states may declare the holiday, which they would then decide to close. Anyone looking to go into a bank to do some business may want to call ahead to their local banks to make sure that the hours at those banks aren’t affected by the local declaration of the day.
Mail Services: USPS, UPS, and FedEx
USPS, the major courier services, FedEx, and the rest will operate as usual to carry mail and packages for those who need them delivered. As this is Election Day, higher demand for mail services is likely due to the casting of mail-in ballots; however, regular service will not be interrupted. However, voters using mail-in ballots should check the deadline for their votes to be counted.
Public Transportation
The regular running of buses, trains, and subways in urban centers will not prevent voters from traveling to their various polling stations on Election Day. Even additional transit services may be implemented for citizens to vote easily in the highly participating cities. A local transit schedule check should be done because schedules are usually adjusted during this day or on a state holiday.
Businesses and Retailers
Most private businesses and retailers are open on November 5 since Election Day 2024 is not a federal holiday. Many employers may give employees time off or flexible hours to vote, especially in states that have mandated voting leave. Nonetheless, closures are rare; therefore, most businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers, will be open.
Also read : Make America Hate Again: We Must Avoid Horror Show Of Another Trump Presidency
Over 160 Million Expected Voters
More than 160 million Americans will cast their ballots this year. Though many people have adapted to early voting, these elections will mainly decide on November 5 for the people who still go out to vote on that day as voters. And though Election Day is not considered a holiday, millions are still expected to vote. And with very competitive and high-interest contests, millions of Americans will want their voices heard.
Conclusion
While voting occurs on November 5, there are a few closings planned, mostly government offices and schools in certain states. Banks, mail services, and public transit will not be greatly affected so most citizens can continue about their day with minimal disruptions. Election Day services should run as normal as people head out to vote, although services may be closed on election day for a few events that take place in particular locales on that day.
