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2026 Election Day polls open as Democrats aim to flip US House, Senate
Polls are officially open in the 2026 midterms as voters across the US head to the ballot box in key races that could decide control of Congress. A shift in power could dramatically alter the final two years of President Trump's term, with potential leadership shifts positioning New York's Hakeem Jeffries as House Speaker and Chuck Schumer as Senate Majority Leader. FOX 5 NY's Robert Moses breaks it down.
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
What we know:
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.
Election Day 2026: What to know in New York and New Jersey
Voters in New York and New Jersey head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to decide New York's next governor, a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey and a closely watched House race in northern New Jersey.
Banks and the stock market
Dig deeper:
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
Big picture view:
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.
What New Yorkers will see on their ballot this Election Day | Breakdown
Election Day 2026 has arrived. Here's everything New York residents can expect to see when they head to the polls.
Schools and retailers
Local perspective:
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.
The Source: Information from this article was sourced from the United States Postal Service, state websites, company websites and the Congressional Research Service.