While millions of Americans will vote this coming Election Day, some may be wondering how the national day impacts their mail.
While Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 5 this year, is not a federal holiday, many companies adjust their hours so that employees have time to cast their ballots. Similarly, some schools shut down in order to operate more efficiently as a polling place.
However, when it comes to your everyday mail, Americans should expect no disruptions.
The United States Postal Service
The United States Postal Service (USPS) operates on regular hours during Election Day, and there are only a few days the mail service honors as holidays.
This includes New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Due to this, the USPS should be working the normal hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time.
Other mail carriers will be delivering mail and packages as usual as well.
UPS, FedEx, and Amazon
United Parcel Service (UPS) typically operates from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, while FedEx offices tend to be open from roughly 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time as well.
Amazon will also be delivering packages as usual, as the company does not recognize Election Day as a holiday.
Where Is Election Day Considered a Holiday?
Over 10 states do recognize Election Day as a holiday, meaning state offices will be closed. You should check your specific location for more information on which offices or schools could be impacted.
Only five states—Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New York and West Virginia—recognize Election Day as a public holiday and enforce a requirement for employers to allow for time off to vote.
Meanwhile, nine other states view Election Day as a public holiday but do not mandate paid leave for voting, includes Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Are Banks and Courts Open on Election Day?
Large banking establishments like Bank of America, PNC Bank and Wells Fargo will all be open as usual on Tuesday.
Keep in mind, many state courts will be closed during Election Day if the local government views it as a holiday. For the affected states, all court employees will get time off, and no hearings will be scheduled for that day.
This Year's Election
This Election Day will see Americans choose between former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Meanwhile, there are also 435 U.S. House and 34 U.S. Senate seats up for election this year.
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