SHOOL operations on Election Day 2024 vary across the United States.
With policies differing from state to state, and even by individual school districts, here’s everything we know about election day school opening plans throughout America.
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The nation goes to the polls on Monday, November 5, with a choice between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic pick Kamala Harris.
While the following information represents the general rules surrounding Election Day 2024 school attendance requirements, it is always advisable for parents to check directly with their child’s school to check its specific plans.
States with school holidays on Election Day 2024
Illinois
Illinois has designated Election Day as an official state holiday for K-12 public schools.
K-12 public schools are government-funded schools in the US and Canada that provide free education from kindergarten through 12th grade — K-12 stands for “kindergarten to 12th grade”.
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Students will not be required to attend classes, and many school buildings will be used as polling stations.
Private schools are not included in the terms of the legislation, meaning that students may still have class on Election Day.
New York
New York recognizes Election Day as a public holiday, mandating that businesses provide time off for voting.
Public schools in New York City and other major cities are expected to be closed
West Virginia
West Virginia acknowledges Election Day as an official holiday, requiring businesses to grant time off for voting.
Public schools in the state are likely to be closed.
Hawaii
Hawaii also recognizes Election Day as an official holiday and mandates that businesses grant time off for voting.
This means most K-12 schools will not open on November 5.
States with varied policies
Maryland
There is no statewide policy mandating school closures on Election Day in Maryland.
School calendars are developed by local school systems in accordance with state law.
Some individual school districts in the state may choose to close schools on Election Day, but this varies by district.
New Jersey
New Jersey observes Election Day as a public holiday, but doesn’t require paid leave for voters.
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Many public school districts in New Jersey will be closed, allowing school facilities to serve as polling locations.
However, some districts may remain open, so parents should verify with their local schools.
Texas
While not recognizing Election Day as a public holiday, Texas requires employers to provide time off for voting.
Some school districts, such as those in El Paso, will close due to safety considerations during the voting period.
The spokesperson for Canutillo Independent School District, Gustavo Reveles, told KFOX in El Paso: “This is the first year that we feel we have some concerns regarding the safety of students, not because of anything that’s happening, not because of any specific threat, but simply because the state is enforcing an elections law that prevents us from locking our front doors.”
California
California allows voters to take two hours of paid leave to vote if they lack sufficient time outside their working hours.
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School closures will vary by district.
Other states with varied policies
Other states with varied policies include Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Each of these observes Election Day as a public holiday, but does not require paid leave for voters.
This means that schools may well be open or closed, so parents should be sure to check with their children’s educational facilities.
School closures in major districts
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania doesn’t have a statewide policy, but many school districts, particularly in urban areas, may close to facilitate voting.
Georgia
Georgia will see many schools closed in a number of districts, as it’s one of the first key states to close polls at 7 pm ET.
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Florida
While Florida doesn’t have a statewide school closure policy, many districts may choose to close schools on Election Day due to safety concerns and to facilitate voting at some educational buildings.
States likely to keep schools open
States that don’t recognize Election Day as a holiday and don’t have specific voting leave requirements are more likely to keep schools open, including:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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Many of these states also often promote mail-in ballots and early voting to ensure participation without disrupting school schedules.
Considerations for parents and voters
- Check local policies: School closures often vary by district, even within the same state, so parents should always verify with their child’s school
- Alternative arrangements: In areas where schools remain open, some districts may offer excused absences for students whose parents take them to vote
- Polling locations: Many schools serve as polling places, so even if classes are in session there may be increased security or altered schedules to accommodate voters
- Early voting and mail-in ballots: States that keep schools open on Election Day often provide alternative voting methods to ensure participation
- Private schools: Policies for private and parochial schools may differ from public schools in the same area
As Election Day 2024 approaches, it’s crucial for parents, students and voters to stay informed about local policies.
While some states have clear, statewide directives, many leave the decision to individual school districts.
This means even in areas with blanket policies, parents should always check with their children’s schools.
