Election Day 2024 marks the culmination of one of the most closely watched and contentious presidential races in American history, where voters will decide between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This November 5th, tens of millions of Americans will take to the polls, their decisions heavily influenced by issues ranging from the economy to social rights.
Despite the significance of this day, it is important to note there is no federal holiday dedicated to voting, which leaves many workers juggling their voting rights and job responsibilities. According to the provisions available, 28 states and the District of Columbia mandate employers to provide time off for employees to vote, alleviating financial burdens for many who may struggle to leave work. Yet, the absence of federal legislation means some workers may face challenges, particularly if their state does not guarantee voting leave.
The Election Day Holiday Act was recently proposed by Representative Anna Eshoo, aiming to change the status of Election Day to a federal holiday. Eshoo's proposal follows research indicating 26% of Americans were unable to vote due to work-related responsibilities. She emphasized, "No one should be unable to vote because they have to work or care for a family member." This sentiment resonates widely, particularly as turnout expectations remain high this year.
Historically, Election Day has been held on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November, this custom rooted back to 1845 when voting was timed to accommodate farmers and travelers. Back then, most people would need time to travel to polling places without disrupting their Sunday church attendances—a quaint throwback to simpler times, yet not ideal for today’s busy working families.
To assist voters, many organizations are popping up to offer free childcare on Election Day. The nonprofit Politisit, alongside various partners, is extending this aid across states like Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas, addressing the pressing need for parents to find care for their children.
So, what's open and closed on Election Day? While many local and state offices will be closed, banks and post offices will be operating. Major banks like Wells Fargo and Citi have confirmed their schedules remain unaffected, as Election Day is not recognized as a federal holiday by the Federal Reserve. This holds true for the U.S. Postal Service, which will be processing both regular mail and election ballots on November 5th. Voting by mail is recommended to be sent out well before Election Day to guarantee timely delivery.
On the consumer front, grocery stores and big-name retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco will operate as usual on Election Day. Bath & Body Works will adjust their hours slightly, opening at noon instead of their standard time, allowing employees to fulfill their civic duties before making retail transactions. Some schools, especially those serving as polling stations, will close, including those within New York City's public school system, which remains the nation's largest.
Historically, alcohol sales on Election Day faced restrictions, often seen as measures against possible bribery. But progressive changes have seen most states easing these regulations. For example, South Carolina’s ban on liquor sales on Election Day was repealed as recently as 2014. On November 5th, bars and liquor stores will welcome patrons without significant interruptions, allowing citizens to unwind after fulfilling their democratic responsibilities.
The atmosphere leading up to the voting period has been fraught with tension, particularly after the FBI issued warnings about bomb threats made at polling stations across several states. The claims of threats, which are suspected to be largely unsubstantiated, herald concerns raised about external meddling—most intriguingly, appearances of links to Russian email domains.
With every passing hour on Election Day, the stakes rise. Candidates Harris and Trump have changed the discussion from mere policy to broader socio-political concerns. There are ballot measures taking shape alongside the presidential contest, focusing on reproductive rights, marijuana legalization across states like Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and various other proposals ranging from wages to housing reforms.
Voter turnout is expected to be high, especially among younger voters, completing the equation of how turnout could influence the candidacies of Harris and Trump. Many polls suggest the race is extremely close—consider it on the knife’s edge, with just as many voters swaying toward Harris as those leaning toward Trump.
The fervor on Election Day reflects the complex dynamics of the American electorate, which this year faces elevated concerns over not just who governs them but how their votes will be counted. The mechanism of indirect voting involves electors who represent each candidate, making the actual count process highly procedural. Hence, like the previous 2020 elections, the outcomes may not be instantly declared on the same day.
It's not just Harris versus Trump at stake; entire state voting strategies, including open primaries and ranked choices, appear on ballots like Alaska, where voters will weigh continuations of electoral reforms. Security measures have been heightened as Americans tread carefully, feeling the undertones of civil unrest following previous contentious elections.
Overall, Election Day 2024 is set to be anything but monotonic. With cultural icons openly supporting the candidates and debates about foreign policy versus domestic issues heating up, the range of topics under discussion is broadening rather than narrowing. Will Kamala Harris succeed with her grassroots appeals? Or will Donald Trump land back at the Oval Office? The answers await, hidden behind the curtain of each ballot cast.
