Election Day is not a federal bank holiday, so most banks stay open
Election Day — the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in presidential election years — is not a federal holiday. Banks operate on their normal schedule. You can deposit checks, withdraw cash, and conduct regular banking business on Election Day just as you would on any other Tuesday.
Some states and cities observe Election Day as a local holiday, which means government offices close and some employees get the day off. But this does not affect bank hours. A few individual banks in states that recognize Election Day may choose to close, but this is rare and depends on the bank's own policy, not federal law.
If you need to handle banking before voting, plan around your bank's regular hours. Most banks close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays, so if you vote after work, you may not have time to visit a branch that day.
Key Takeaways
- Election Day is not a federal bank holiday, so banks remain open during their normal business hours.
- Some states and cities recognize Election Day as a local holiday, but this does not close banks.
- A handful of banks in states that observe Election Day locally may close, but you should check your specific bank's hours before Election Day.
- ATMs and online banking work on Election Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open.
- If you need to visit a bank on Election Day, plan to go before work or during lunch, since most branches close by evening.
Which states treat Election Day as a local holiday
Several states recognize Election Day as a paid holiday for state employees, though this does not automatically close banks. States that observe it include Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. In some of these states, the holiday applies only to presidential election years; in others, it applies to all general elections.
Even when a state recognizes Election Day as a holiday, banks are not required to close. Federal law does not mandate bank closures for state holidays. Individual banks decide whether to close based on their own policies and customer needs. You should contact your bank directly or check its website to confirm whether your branch will be open on Election Day.
How to handle banking needs around Election Day
If you know you will need to deposit money, withdraw cash, or handle other banking tasks on or near Election Day, plan ahead. Use ATMs for cash withdrawals and deposits if your bank offers that service — ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of branch hours. Mobile banking apps let you transfer money, pay bills, and check balances without visiting a branch.
If you need to speak with a banker or handle a transaction that requires a teller, visit your branch the day before Election Day or the day after. This avoids any uncertainty about hours and ensures you can complete your business without rushing.
For time-sensitive transactions — such as paying a bill by a specific deadline — do not wait until Election Day. Process the payment several days in advance so that processing delays do not cause you to miss the deadline.
What stays open on Election Day
ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps work on Election Day just like any other day. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills online, deposit checks through mobile deposit, and check your balance without visiting a branch. These services do not depend on whether a physical branch is open.
Credit unions follow the same rules as banks — Election Day is not a federal holiday for them either. Most credit unions stay open on Election Day, but some may close if they are located in a state that recognizes it as a local holiday. Contact your credit union to confirm.
Federal holidays that do close banks
Election Day differs from actual federal bank holidays, which do close most banks nationwide. Federal holidays that close banks include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
On these days, bank branches close and federal wire transfers may be delayed. However, ATMs and online banking continue to work. If you need to conduct banking on a federal holiday, use these services instead of visiting a branch.
Planning your voting and banking schedule
If you plan to vote on Election Day and also need to handle banking, consider doing both in the same trip. Many polling places are located in public buildings near downtown areas where banks are also located. Visit your bank during your lunch break or before work, then vote after work or during a separate trip.
If your work schedule makes it difficult to vote and bank on the same day, remember that early voting and mail-in voting are available in most states. Check your state's election website for early voting dates and locations. This gives you flexibility to handle banking and voting on separate days that work better for your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank be closed on Election Day?
Most banks stay open on Election Day because it is not a federal holiday. However, a few banks in states that recognize Election Day as a local holiday may close. Contact your bank directly or check its website to confirm hours for your specific branch.
Can I use my ATM on Election Day?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on Election Day regardless of whether your bank branch is open. You can withdraw cash, deposit checks (if your ATM has that feature), and check your balance anytime.
What if I need to deposit a check on Election Day?
Use mobile deposit through your bank's app if you have a smartphone — most banks let you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it instantly. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, use an ATM that accepts deposits, or visit a branch the day before or after.
Are credit unions open on Election Day?
Most credit unions stay open on Election Day since it is not a federal holiday. Some may close if located in a state that observes Election Day locally. Call your credit union or check its website to confirm hours.
What federal holidays do close banks?
Banks close on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. On these days, branches close but ATMs and online banking remain available.