As the United States prepares for its upcoming election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, many Americans may wonder about the availability of banking services on this important day.

The good news is that most banks, including major institutions like JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, will maintain their regular operating hours. Election day is not a federal holiday, which means that the vast majority of businesses, including banks, will remain open as usual.

Opening times from the major banks

All these banks will be open at their normal times:

Why is election day not a federal holiday?

Currently, there are 12 federal holidays recognized in the US, with Election Day not among them. Advocates argue that designating Election Day as a federal holiday could boost voter turnout by allowing more Americans to have paid time off to vote.

Some states have taken action. Illinois, West Virginia, Maryland, Hawaii, and New York recognize it as a state holiday, requiring employers to provide time for workers to get to polling stations and exercise their democratic right.