US Elections 2024: Are Banks, Post Offices, and FedEx Open on November 5? Here’s What You Need to Know

As the United States heads into the 2024 presidential election on November 5, voters are making their final decisions between candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Despite Election Day not being a federal holiday, several states have taken steps to ensure that citizens have the time to cast their votes.

Is November 5 a Public Holiday?

While Election Day is not a national holiday, five states—New York, Maryland, West Virginia, Hawaii, and Illinois—have declared November 5 a public holiday. This allows employees time off to vote without worrying about work obligations. In addition, several other states, including New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Virginia, Michigan, Montana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Indiana, have also declared the day a holiday, though they do not require employees to take time off specifically for voting.

What Services Are Open or Closed on Election Day?

Here’s a quick look at the status of key services on November 5:

1. Post Offices, UPS, and FedEx

• The U.S. Postal Service will remain open and operational on Election Day. Regular mail services, including mail delivery and pickups, will continue as usual.
• UPS and FedEx will also maintain regular hours and operations on November 5, ensuring that mail and courier services are available across the country.

2. Banks

• Most banks across the U.S. are expected to remain open during Election Day. However, some branches, particularly in the states that have declared it a public holiday, may close or have reduced hours. It's advisable to check with your local branch for specific hours of operation.

3. Schools

• In many states, schools may be closed or have a non-attendance day for students on November 5. Cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago have already confirmed that schools will be closed on Election Day. This is to facilitate the voting process, as many schools also serve as polling stations.

4. Government Offices and Courts

• State administrative offices and courts may be closed in states where Election Day has been declared a public holiday. This will vary by state, so it's important to check local guidelines for government office hours.

5. Public Transportation

• Public transportation services, including buses, trains, and subways, will continue to operate on their regular schedules. This ensures that voters have easy access to polling stations and can participate in the election without transportation barriers.

Early Voting and Election Impact

With over 160 million Americans expected to vote in this highly anticipated election, early voting has already begun in many states. This allows voters the flexibility to cast their ballots before November 5, especially in light of the close race between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

The outcome of this election could have a significant impact on the country, and citizens across the U.S. are encouraged to participate, whether through early voting or on Election Day itself.

Stay informed about your local polling place hours, and check if your state has declared Election Day a public holiday to help plan your voting schedule.