Polls open across the US for 2026 midterm elections | FOX 5 AT 6AM
Millions of Americans are heading to polling places Tuesday for the final day of voting in the 2026 midterm elections that saw early voting turnout on pace to surpass the previous midterms.
Millions of Americans are heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, but the day is not recognized as an official federal holiday.
Since the federal government does not mandate closures, most corporate businesses, financial institutions, and essential public services operate normally. However, local closures depend on where you live.
Here is a breakdown of what is open and closed on Election Day 2026.
Mail delivery and post offices
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is fully operational on Election Day. Post offices are open, and regular mail collection and delivery will continue without interruption.
The USPS also runs extra operations and “extraordinary measures” to handle ballot mail up to and on Election Day. Private delivery services, including FedEx, UPS, and Amazon, will also maintain their regular operating schedules.
Banks and the stock market
Since Election Day is not a Federal Reserve holiday, the central bank and most local bank branches will remain open during their usual business hours.
Financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange, will also trade under their normal hours.
Federal and state government offices
Federal government offices will remain open. However, several states legally recognize Election Day as a state holiday, meaning state agencies and offices are closed.
For 2026, these states include Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. In New York, it is recognized as a legal holiday but acts as a floating holiday for certain state workers, meaning some state offices stay open.
Schools and retailers
Major retail stores and grocery chains will remain open across the country.
Public school schedules, however, vary significantly by state and local school district. Many districts close schools entirely to utilize the buildings as polling centers or to give teachers a professional development day, so families should check their local district calendars directly.
Theates Postal Service, state websites, company websites and the Congressional Research Service
