Are schools open on Election Day 2026? Check closures in Florida, Philadelphia and Chicago

Election Day is today November 3, 2026, but students across the United States will not all have the same school schedule. Some public schools are closing for the day, while others are holding regular classes. In South Florida, most public school students will have the day off. Philadelphia and Chicago have also announced school closures, although schedules can differ between districts. The main reason for many of these changes is that school buildings are used as polling places during elections.

Are Schools Closed on Election Day in Florida?

Most public school students in South Florida will not have classes on Tuesday.


Miami-Dade public schools are closed for a Teacher Planning Day. Broward schools are observing an Employee Planning Day, while Palm Beach County schools are closed for a Professional Development Day for staff. Palm Beach district offices will remain open.



Monroe County is taking a different approach. Its schools will remain open, and students will follow their regular schedules.

Florida's school arrangements are not the same everywhere. Although public schools, colleges and universities generally operate at their regular hours, some schools in five counties have closed following heavy rain and flooded roads over the weekend.

Which Other US School Districts Are Closed?

Philadelphia public schools are closed on Election Day. The Philadelphia schools announcement said, "In observance of Election Day, All Schools will be closed today."

Chicago Public Schools, Illinois' largest school district, is also closed to students, meaning there will be no classes.

Several suburban Chicago districts have announced closures as well. These include Wilmette District 39, Indian Prairie School District 204 and Oswego Community Unit School District 308.

However, not every school is closing. Some districts, private schools and universities may continue with regular classes or arrange an Institute Day for staff.

Many public schools serve as neighbourhood polling places during elections. Some also act as security hubs, making it easier for districts to keep students away while voting takes place. The information is taken from NBC Miami, Bergen Record, Clarin,

Election Day Is Not a Federal Holiday

November 3 is not a federal holiday. Most banks, post offices and financial markets are therefore operating normally. The US Postal Service is delivering regular mail, while the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are following their usual schedules. New Jersey, however, observes Election Day as a state holiday.