In some countries, participating in the voting process is made somewhat easier by the fact that elections are conducted on weekends, when many people aren’t working. In the United States, of course, that isn’t the case. We have a long, sometimes painful, history of making it hard for people to vote. Or, at the very least, making it harder than it needs to be.
So, with elections in this country held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November, people who are working must make special accommodations to vote. (There are options, however, which we’ve outlined in this article.) Thankfully the state of Illinois has tried to help by making Election Day a state holiday. (Nineteen states have some form of Election Day holiday.)
What does that mean? Well, some places will be closed. So we’re here to help with a list of entities that will be closed — or open — on Nov. 8.
CLOSED
Most schools. Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana District 116 are among the school districts that are closed. In general, public schools are closed although some private schools might be open.
University of Illinois. No classes. Computer labs, libraries and most classroom buildings will be closed.
Krannert Art Museum, Spurlock Museum of World Cultures.
State of Illinois offices and courts.
Secretary of State facilities (the DMV).
OPEN
Post offices
Banks
Champaign and Urbana city offices and buildings. Federal offices and courts.
Parkland College is open and will conduct classes.
Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will conduct routes as normal.
This list is not meant to be comprehensive. When in doubt, call ahead.