Why are schools closed on Election Day in Illinois? – NBCChicago

Because voters go to the polls on Election Day, some schools are still in session. However, most Illinois public school students have a day off.

Election Day is an official state holiday for the 2024 election season under the terms of an amendment to Illinois' school code. As a result, children in K-12 public schools are not required to attend classes.

The law also states that any school that is not in session on election day can be used as a polling station by local authorities.

In addition to public schools, courthouses and other local and state facilities, including the Secretary of State's driver services, will remain closed on Election Day.

Private schools are not covered by the provisions of the law, which means that students in these institutions can still have classes on Tuesday. Universities are also not included because students in the University of Illinois system will still have classes on Election Day.

There have been efforts in the past to make Election Day a federal holiday, but these have so far been unsuccessful. As a result, many banks, federal facilities including courthouses and most stores will be open Tuesday, officials said.