By Kelly Youngblood
Election Day is a state holiday in 2020 thanks to legislation signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in June. But that doesn’t mean everyone in Illinois will get the day off work on Nov. 3.
The measure was put in place, along with expansions for vote by mail and voting hours, to encourage safer procedures for the 2020 elections.
While Election Day is now a state holiday, it’s not a federal one, which means fewer individuals and businesses will be affected. However, all Illinois government offices at the state and local level, K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions governed by the State Universities Civil Service Act, and state employees can expect to get the day off.
Here’s rundown of what’s open and closed on Election Day on Nov. 3.
Schools: Public school districts in the Champaign-Urbana area will be closed in observance of Election Day including Champaign Unit 4, Urbana District 116, Mahomet-Seymour, Unit 7, Monticello, St. Joseph and Arcola. Some private schools such as St. Thomas More and Judah Christian will remain open, according to their online calendars.
Colleges: The University of Illinois will observe Election Day on Nov. 3 but essential operations will continue. Parkland College will also be closed.
Government offices: State offices such as the DMV will be closed. County and city administrative offices will also be closed including the City of Champaign and City of Urbana.
Courts: State and county courthouses are closed.
Banks: Open
Libraries: Open
Postal service: Open
Museums: Open
Grocery stores, retail: Open, but call ahead when in doubt!