US elections 2024: Are banks, post offices, FedEx closed on November 5? | All you need to know

The polling day for the US elections is on November 5 and while it is not a federal holiday, some organisations may be closed

Updated on: Nov 5, 2024, 04:53:23 IST

By HT News Desk | Written by Ria Amol Wadikar

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

On Tuesday, November 5, American voters will make the final choice about who will become the next US president between candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Though several states allow employees to take time off to vote on polling day, a commonly encountered question is whether services or organisations will remain closed.

A person votes in the U.S. presidential election at a polling station in Detroit, Michigan (REUTERS)

Also Read: US Election 2024 Explained: The A-Z of what matters most

Election day is not a federal holiday, however, five state - New York, Maryland, West Virginia, Hawaii and Illinois - have declared a public holiday on November 5 to allow employees to take time off from work and cast their votes.

Also Read: HT Exclusive: Indians in US weigh in on issues that will decide 'desi' ballot, immigration tops list

New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Virginia, Michigan, Montana, Louisiana, Kentucky and Indiana have also declared a public holiday, though employees are not forced to cast their votes on the day.

Here's all you need to know about which services will be up and running on polling day:

Post offices, United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx courier services will all be available on November 5.

Also Read: US election: Ahead of results, here are 10 House races we should keep an eye on

Banks across the country will remain open on polling day, though there might be certain branches shut down, according to NBC New York. It is advised that people check whether specific branches in their area are open before visiting.
Schools may remain closed on November 5 across several states. Major cities like New York, Washington DC and Chicago have announced that schools will be closed or maintain a day of non-attendance for students on the day.
Most state administrative offices and courts will remained closed in the states which have declared a public holiday on polling day.
Public transport such as buses and trains will remain operational on November 5.

Over 160 million voters are expected to cast their ballots by November 5, in a tight race between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Early voting has already begun across several states.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.