Is Election Day a federal holiday? Check states, companies that will give time offs to employees on Tuesday voting day for US Midterm elections 2026

Election day 2026 is almost here and Americans are making decisions for 35 Senate races, 435 House of Representatives seats, 36 Governors on the ballot for US Midterm elections. Election Day in the US is traditionally takes place on the Tuesday that comes after the first Monday in the month of November. This polling day tradition started from Presidential Elections in 1845. This year, Election Day for the US Midterm elections is scheduled for November 3, Tuesday.

Election Day generally falls between November 2 and November 8, depending on the year. The next Presidential Elections will be held on November 7, 2028.

Election Day is Federal Holiday?


The United States of America have a recognized list of federal holidays and it doesn't include Election Day as the designated US federal holiday. The next federal holiday is on Wednesday, November 11 to observe Veterans Day.

While, voter reforms activists have long been pitched for making the Election Day a federal holiday, it requires legislation approval from the US Congress and signature of the President so that a law is enacted.

There are options of early voting and mail-in voting for Americans if they want to want to avoid the Election Day rushes.

Election Day Holiday Rules in States

In states like New York, Maryland, Hawaii, Illinois, and West Virginia, employees are given time off to cast votes during the Election Day. Some state offices remain closed during the Election Day in states such as Indiana and Montana. In Colorado and California, employees are given up to two hours of off for casting vote.

According to reports, around 2000 companies, including Walmart and Starbucks, tend to offer time offs to employees on the Election Day.

Americans vote on Tuesday in midterm elections that will determine who controls Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the US House of Representatives as well as the Senate to overturn Republicans' narrow 218-214 and 53-47 majorities. Opinion polls favor the Democrats to win the House while the Senate remains too close to call.

With President Trump's approval rating near the lowest of his presidency, the election could reshape Washington. Yet even if Democrats win one or both chambers, Trump would retain veto power and broad executive authority, limiting Democrats' ability to enact major legislation.