Election Day 2024: What is open and closed?

Election Day is not a federal holiday, but some states have made it a state holiday. So the impact of today's survey on your plans for today ultimately depends on where you live.

Here's the good news: If you're looking to do some grocery shopping or early Christmas shopping, you don't have to worry. No shops will be closed on election day. The same goes for restaurants if you don't feel like cooking tonight.

Need help figuring it all out? We are here for you.

Are banks open on election day?

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

Will there be mail delivery on Election Day?

Yes. Just as banks set up their calendar based on federal holidays, so does the U.S. Postal Service. UPS and FedEx will also operate as normal

Is the stock market open on election day?

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

Are government offices open on Election Day?

Ok, hold on to something. This is where things get 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 civil holiday, meaning all local government offices (except 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 no definitive answer since there are so many school districts in the country, but it's a pretty safe bet that your kids will have either e-learning or a day off today, since school campuses are often polling places. This could lead to childcare problems for parents.

Can I buy alcohol on Election Day?

Not long ago, several states still enforced bans on the sale of Prohibition-era alcohol on Election Day. However, that ended in 2014 when South Carolina repealed the provision, becoming the last state to do so. (The ban, which dates back to at least 1882, was intended to reduce electoral corruption and bribery.)

Are retail and grocery stores closed on Election Day?

No. Go crazy! No major retailer is closed on this holiday.