WASHINGTON — Americans across the nation are headed to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7 for Election Day.
There are some major gubernatorial races on the ballot this year. Many of the most-watched races in the 2023 off-year general election have been dominated by the ongoing debate over abortion rights.
Most businesses will remain open on Election Day as it isn't a designated federal holiday. In the past, some have opted to adjust hours or give time off to employees to boost voter participation.
Here's a look at how Election Day may impact your day.
Are banks closed on Election Day?
Banks, such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, TD Bank and Regions Bank, should not see any changes in their operating hours on Tuesday.
Banking services such as ATMs and online banking should also remain normal through both Election Day and the holiday season.
Is the post office closed on Election Day?
The U.S. Postal Service will deliver mail Tuesday, according to its holiday schedule.
Many states observe Election Day as a civic holiday, meaning state employees get the day off.
FedEx will also remain open during Election Day.
Will stores be opened on Election Day?
Most stores will be opened on Election Day. In previous years, some national retailers have adjusted their hours to ensure employees can cast their ballots.
In 2022 for the midterm elections, Bath & Body Works joined the Time to Vote pledge and delayed store openings by two hours. The retailer previously adjusted hours for the 2020 election.
Best Buy has previously offered employees 8 hours of paid time off for Election Day volunteers, a benefit it started in 2020.
In the past, outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia has given employees paid time off and closed its stores for presidential and midterm elections since 2016.
Time To Vote, a business-led nonpartisan coalition co-founded by Patagonia, aims to reduce barriers for employees who want to vote. According to their website, Time to Vote has rallied over 2,000 companies to help increase voter participation.
Companies on the list have "made a commitment to ensure that their employees had a work schedule that allowed them time to vote," the website reads. By making that pledge, employers support offering paid time off on Election Day or flexible hours.
For more information about Time To Vote and for a list of all participants, visit maketimetovote.org.