ELECTION Day is approaching fast, and some Americans might be wondering whether they’ll be able to access certain necessities.
It’s no secret that post offices, banks, and some schools and stores are closed on federal holidays.
GettyVoters everywhere will be submitting their ballots on Tuesday (stock image)[/caption]
GettyMany are wondering whether post offices and other essentials will be in-operational (stock image)[/caption]
Despite some confusion around Election Day, it isn’t a federal holiday.
Still, at least five states consider it to be a public holiday and implement a law that requires employers to provide paid time off to vote, per Fox Business.
Those states include Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New York, and West Virginia.
Others must provide paid time off but don’t consider Election Day a holiday, and some don’t consider it a holiday or provide paid time off.
While it’s important for voters to understand what their state’s laws are surrounding Election Day, it likely won’t impact their daily errands.
BANKS
Most banks will be operating at normal hours across the United States on November 5.
Bank of America, Capital One, PNC, Truist, Wells Fargo, and several others won’t have any changes.
Similarly, online banking services and ATMs will be accessible as normal on Election Day.
It wouldn’t hurt to double-check with your local financial institution just in case, but most can expect not to be inconvenienced.
POST OFFICES & SHIPPING
Considering Election Day is not a federal holiday, all United States Postal Service (USPS) locations and services will also operate per usual on Tuesday.
Mail will also be delivered on time during normal windows.
UPS and FedEx will also operate for a standard business day, with its pickup and delivery services working as normal.
Their stores will also remain open at standard operating hours.
The situation changes a bit for schools.
States and Election Day
While Election Day is not a federal holiday, many states differ on whether they consider it a public holiday or not. The U.S. Sun has provided a short list below for clarification:
Public Holiday/Paid Time Off Required By Law
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland
New York
West Virginia
Public Holiday/No Required Paid Time Off
Delaware
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
New Jersey
Rhode Island
Virginia
Not Public Holiday/Paid Time Off Required By Law
Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Iowa
Kansas
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Wyoming
Not Public Holiday/No Required Paid Time Off
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
North Dakota
Wisconsin
Arkansas
Mississippi
Alabama
Georgia
Florida
North Carolina
South Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Connecticut
Massachussets
Vermont
New Hampshire
Maine
Washington DC
Credit: Fox Business
SCHOOLS
Many schools across the nation are closing on November 5, whether that’s due to safety considerations with Election Day or because they reside in a state where it’s considered a public holiday, per USA Today.
At 14 states consider Election Day a public holiday, including Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
There have been reports of schools in Houston, Texas, closing for a professional development day or a school holiday on Tuesday, per the Houston Chronicle.
The same can be said for several districts in Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
Parents or guardians should double-check what the plan is for the district their child attends school with, as policies vary.
STORES
Most stores will be open on Election Day as normal, and that should only change depending on whether or not the retailer or business resides in a state where it’s considered a public holiday.
They could choose to close as a result, or some may decide to shutter for Election Day of their own volition.
It’s best, again, to check store operating hours or call ahead to avoid being inconvenienced if the location is closed.
Many stores, however, will be closing for Thanksgiving at the end of the month.
https://www.the-sun.com/money/12819073/election-day-banks-post-offices-schools-open/