Whether banks and the post office are open is usually one of the most common questions around Election Day. Here’s how you can plan ahead this year.
WASHINGTON — Tens of millions of votes have already been cast in the run-up to Election Day, with millions more expected to head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Most businesses will remain open on Election Day as it isn’t a federal holiday. Some, however, have adjusted hours or given employees time off in order to boost voter participation.
Here’s a look at how Election Day may impact your day.
Are banks closed on Election Day?
Banks, such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, TD Bank and Regions Bank, should not see any changes in their operating hours on Tuesday.
Banking services such as ATMs and online banking should also remain normal through both Election Day and the holiday season.
Is the Post Office closed on Election Day?
The U.S. Postal Service will deliver mail Tuesday, according to its holiday schedule.
Many states observe Election Day as a civic holiday, meaning state employees get the day off.
Will stores be opened on Election Day?
Banks and post offices will remain open on Election Day, but some national retailers have adjusted their hours to ensure employees can cast their ballots.
Bath & Body Works is once again opening its stores at noon local time on Nov. 5 — two hours later than usual — to give workers the opportunity to vote.
The retailer previously adjusted hours for the 2020 election and the 2022 midterm election.
Best Buy is offering employees 8 hours of paid time off for Election Day volunteers, a benefit it started in 2020.
REI Co-op, who delayed opening its stores for two hours in 2022, announced they won’t be adjusting their hours of operation this election cycle.
“After our efforts in 2022, we learned that opening our stores two hours late on election day wasn’t the most effective way to enable our employees to vote,” REI Co-op said in a statement. “The co-op employs 15,000 people across 44 states, each of which has its own voting process. That’s why we’ve focused on ensuring our employees have the support necessary to vote, no matter where they live. “
“Early voting is available in 42 of the 44 states in which we operate and nearly 99% of our employee base can utilize this option,” the statement continued. “Our goal is to enable all our employees to participate in the democratic process however and whenever they choose. We’re confident we’ve provided them with the resources to do so.”
Outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia has closed its stores, offices and distribution centers on Election Day in previous years.
For the 2024 election, the outdoor apparel company will close its stores on Tuesday, Oct. 29, which is National Vote Early Day. Employees for the company will receive a paid day off to volunteer and vote early.
Time To Vote, a business-led nonpartisan coalition co-founded by Patagonia, aims to reduce barriers for employees who want to vote. According to their website, Time to Vote has rallied over 2,000 companies to help increase voter participation.
Companies on the list have “made a commitment to ensure that their employees had a work schedule that allowed them time to vote,” the website reads. By making that pledge, employers support offering paid time off on Election Day or flexible hours.
For more information about Time To Vote and for a list of all participants, visit maketimetovote.org.