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Why Isn't Election Day a National Holiday in the US?
Some states classify Election Day as a holiday requiring employers to provide voting leave, while about 2,000 companies pledge time off, according to Time To Vote.
- On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Americans in several states will cast ballots, and Election Day is not a federal holiday, leaving U.S. banks, financial markets and major retailers open.
- Congress set the date in 1845 to fit mid-1800s agrarian society and farmers, choosing the Tuesday after the first Monday to avoid Nov. 1 All Saints' Day and market-day conflicts.
- Several states require employers to give time off for voting; Illinois, West Virginia, Maryland, Hawaii and New York treat Election Day as a state holiday, while Montana and Indiana close offices without pay mandates and Colorado and California require pay if employees take time off.
- Advocates point to survey data that support a federal holiday to boost turnout, while critics warn of longer lines, childcare, and pay issues; 72% of adults favor making Election Day a holiday.
- As an outlier among democracies, the U.S. holds weekday elections; nearly 70% of 2020 ballots were cast early, and key contests in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia and California test next year's congressional midterm election.
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Why isn't Election Day a national holiday in the US?
Election Day is not a national holiday in 2024, but some states require employees get paid time off to vote.
·Spokane, United States
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Is Election Day 2025 a federal holiday? Here's what's open and what's closed
Election Day 2025 happens on November 4, but it is not a federal holiday. Many offices, banks, and stores will stay open as usual. Some states, however, treat it as a civic holiday and close local offices. The day will test political plans ahead of next years important U.S. midterm elections.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Center
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources are Center
86% Center
14%
C 86%
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