Politics
Illinois Election Day Tuesday: No School, Paid Time Off to Vote Nov 3
Chicago, IL – Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Illinois families and workers should prepare for school closures, changes to daily schedules and opportunities to take paid time off to cast their ba
By Evan Cross · 2026-11-03T01:14:48.100Z
Chicago, IL – Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Illinois families and workers should prepare for school closures, changes to daily schedules and opportunities to take paid time off to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm election.
School districts across Illinois will be closed Tuesday, including Chicago Public Schools, the state's largest district, as voters head to polling locations.
Which Illinois Schools Are Closed Tuesday?
Chicago Public Schools will not hold classes Tuesday. Several suburban districts are also observing Election Day closures, Wilmette School District 39, Indian Prairie School District 204 and Oswego Community Unit School District 308.
Frankfort School District 157 C in Will County also announced that students will have no school Tuesday, Nov. 3, with classes resuming Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Illinois law allows election authorities to use school buildings without instruction as polling places, helping accommodate voters throughout the state.
However, not every school will close. Some districts, private schools and universities may continue regular instruction or schedule staff institute days. Parents should confirm schedules directly with their schools.
Can Illinois Workers Get Paid Time Off to Vote?
Under Illinois law, eligible employees are entitled to up to two hours of paid leave to vote during Election Day polling hours.
Employees must request the time off before Election Day. Employers may designate when the leave is taken and are not required to provide it when an employee's work schedule already allows two consecutive hours to vote while polls are open.
Is Election Day a Federal Holiday?
Election Day is not a federal holiday. Most government offices, businesses and workplaces will operate on their regular schedules unless otherwise announced.
Illinois polling locations are scheduled to be open Tuesday from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Residents can verify their polling location, registration information and ballot details through the Illinois State Board of Elections.
With school closures and voting schedules affecting households statewide, residents are encouraged to plan ahead before Tuesday morning.