Is Election Day a Federal Holiday? Essential Facts

U.S. Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, is not a federal holiday. Banks and post offices will stay open, but some states give workers the day off.

Key Points

• Election Day is a regular workday under federal law.
• At least 14 states make it a state holiday.
• Many workers can still get time off to vote.

Why Election Day Is Not a Federal Holiday

Congress lists 11 legal public holidays in 5 U.S.C. 6103. Election Day is not one of them. That is why federal offices will open as usual on Tuesday.

The date itself comes from another federal law. 2 U.S.C. 7 sets federal elections on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This year, that Tuesday falls on November 3.

The next federal holiday is Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11. You can check the full list on the OPM federal holidays page.

Lawmakers have proposed making Election Day a national holiday many times. So far, none of those bills has become law.

What Is on the Ballot This Year

This is a midterm election, so the White House is not on the ballot. Voters will still pick a large share of their leaders.

All 435 seats in the U.S. House are up for a vote. In addition, 35 Senate seats are on the ballot, including two special elections. Voters in 36 states will also choose a governor.

Many states and cities have local races and ballot questions too. Your sample ballot shows exactly what you will vote on.

Which States Give the Day Off

Some states treat Election Day as a holiday for state workers. The Movement Advancement Project counts at least 14 of them.

Its list includes Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. It also names Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana and New Jersey. New York, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia complete the group.

A state holiday mostly closes state offices and courts. Private companies in those states can still stay open.

Are Schools Closed

Schools follow local calendars, so the answer depends on where you live. Many schools close because their buildings serve as polling places.

For example, schools in Hawaii close because the state treats Election Day as a holiday. One Hawaii school posted its closure notice for November 3. Other districts stay open and simply move classes away from voting areas.

Parents should check their district website tonight. A quick look now can save a rushed morning.

Can You Get Time Off to Vote

Even without a holiday, the law often protects your right to vote during work. According to Ballotpedia, 28 states and Washington, D.C., require employers to give time off to vote.

Rules differ by state. Some require paid time, while others only require unpaid time. Many states also ask workers to tell their boss in advance.

Federal workers do not get the day off. However, agencies may grant a short window of paid leave when polling hours clash with work.

Banks, Mail and the Stock Market

Because Election Day is not a federal holiday, most services run normally. The Postal Service will deliver mail, and post offices will keep regular hours.

Federal Reserve Banks stay open, and most local banks follow them. The New York Stock Exchange will also trade at normal hours.

When Polls Open and Close

Polling hours change from state to state. In North Carolina, for instance, polls open at half past six in the morning. They close at half past seven at night, according to the State Board of Elections.

Most states keep polls open for about 12 to 15 hours. If you are in line when polls close, you can usually still vote.

You can find your polling place and local hours through Vote.gov. It links to the official election office in every state.

• Find your polling place on Vote.gov
• Check your local polling hours
• See if your state asks for photo ID
• Ask your employer about time off to vote
• Look over your sample ballot

Clocks also moved back one hour on Sunday, as our daylight saving time story explains. So double-check the time before you head out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Election Day a paid holiday?

Not for most workers. It is a paid holiday only where a state or employer chooses to give the day off.

Is the post office open on Election Day?

Yes. Election Day is not a federal holiday, so mail delivery and post office hours stay normal.

Do I need to vote on Election Day?

Not always. Many states offer early voting or mail voting, and some of those options may already be closed.

Editor’s Note

This story is accurate as of November 2, 2026. State holiday lists, school calendars and polling hours can change, so check your local election office for the latest details.

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