From schools to banks to post offices and more: What's actually open and closed on Election Day in Illinois?
Election Day is a state holiday for the 2024 election season, which means certain things are closed. But this is not the case for every state, as this day is not considered a federal holiday.
However, while many businesses will remain open, under Illinois law, workers are allowed two hours of paid leave to cast ballots on Election Day. They can also cast their ballots early via mail-in ballot, or via early voting, which is available at hundreds of locations across the state.
Here's a look at what to expect:
Schools
Children in K-12 public schools will not be required to attend classes.
Illinois law states that any school that does not have instruction on Election Day can be used by local authorities as a polling place.
Private schools are not included in the terms of the legislation, which means students at those institutions may continue to attend classes on Tuesdays. Universities are also not included, as students in the University of Illinois System still take classes on Election Day.
Banks
While some have tried to make Election Day a federal holiday in the past, they have not succeeded so far. As a result, many banks, federal facilities including courthouses and most businesses will be open Tuesday, according to officials.
DMVs
Secretary of State Driver Services locations will also be closed, but some public libraries may be open depending on location.
Courts and other public buildings
District and state courts will be closed on Election Day, according to officials, with trials to resume the next day.
The federal courts will not be closed, with the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan continuing amid balloting on Tuesday. Jurors will be excused during the day in order to cast their votes, according to the judge in the case.
Post offices
Since Election Day is not a federal holiday, all post offices will be open and mail delivery will continue as usual.
