The upcoming Election Day, Tuesday November 8th, while a critical day for US voters, is not a federal holiday.

Banks, corporations and the stock exchange are all open, although business hours may shift to allow for staff voting.

In accordance with its holiday schedule, the US Postal Service will also deliver mail on Election Day.

However, since election day is a public holiday in many places, some state and municipal offices remain closed.

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The following states and territories recognize Election Day as a public holiday:

• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Montana
• New Jersey
• new York
• Ohio
• Puerto Rico
• Virginia
• West Virginia

What does the stock market expect?

Stocks have historically risen after mid-term elections, with the S&P 500 index posting an above-average 15% return in the six months beginning November 1 of every mid-election year since 1962, according to US Bank data.

Why is election day not a public holiday?

This year, the Senate failed to pass a major Democratic voting rights bill that would have declared Election Day a national holiday, as two senators stood alone and opposed changing Senate procedures to end a Republican filibuster.

Other electoral reform initiatives included in Freedom of Choice: The John R. Lewis Act was automatic voter registration for all and access to postal votes.

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Photo: 3D photo via Shutterstock