SusanfromScotland

Just realised we will be in NY on election day November 2 .In the UK election day is no big deal for those not politically involved life carries on much as normal except on the media and around voting stations. I read in a guide book that election day in US is a public holiday. Does this mean everything is closed? Are there areas in NY city which would be best avoided that day due to rallies etc or for that matter anything we should see for the experience?

CarolA

I can't speak for NY, but election day in most of the US is NOT a holiday. Banks are open etc... (Plus in the US we veiw holidays as a chance to shop and tour so normally everything is open with the exception of Christmas, THanksgiving and New Years)

There are not really major rallies since the push for voters is during the weeks before.

The news media will be all exicted. They start broadcasting election results about 5 PM and normally declare a winner as soon as polls colse in Califorina (around 11 in NY)

I would just go on with your plans

gail

Also not specific to NY - but it some areas of US schools public schools are closed as they are sometimes used for voting places. My town calls it a "teacher workshop" day - all that means is that there are a lot of kids around on one day during the week when they would otherwise be in school.

Rob

Everything that you would be interested in doing or seeing will not be affected by the election. In NYC schools are closed since they are used as polling places. Life goes on in normal fashion.

Anonymous

Wow, the schools are used as polling places in my town, but they're not closed -- the kids just don't have gym class that day.

In my experience, there's very little public impact of Election Day itself, but the NEXT day, everybody is very tired from staying up late watching the returns on TV, and about half the population is very cranky. Some years, both halves.

bardo

Only thing closed are the schools - not even government employees get the day off (and they get EVERY hoiliday off...)

bonniebroad

Susan, a good time to be here! About half the population, probably the __________________s, will be celebrating so it should a fun time to be in the bars, and out and about! Otherwise, everything should be the same as normal.

dgruzew

many Municiple and State workers will likely be off. I don't think the markets will be closed. But most everybody else will be working, it is possible that any federal or state monument might be closed (I don't think the statue of liberty is closed)

this is an interesting an close election, so it might be an intersting time to visit.
Normally election days really aren't that big a deal, but this year much more people seemed to be interested.

Ryan

If there were rallies, which would seem unlikely at that late date, then perhaps Union Square Park or City Hall Park.

As indicated, schools might be affected but not much else. (Well, primetime TV, but not tourist sites.)

BTW, as only about 50% of eligible voters in the US can actually be bothered to vote, the apathetic will certainly reduce the level of those inclined to celebrate/protest/rally.

indytravel

Not everything is available you would want to do on an election day, at least in Indiana.

Here alcohol is not allowed to be sold while the polls are open: 6am to 6pm.

Made a special point a few years ago to have lunch at an excellent German restaurant in Indianapolis. I didn't realize it was election day, no draft German beer. Grrr.

Judyrem

Interesting side note: We were in Park City Utah on their primary voting day. LIquor stores were closed AND they could not serve anything with higher alcohol than 3.2 beer until the polling places closed at 8:00pm! I thought I was in a time warp;-)! We were going to go to French rest. but they could not serve us wine....fuggetaboutit!!!

nytraveler

In NYC the only major difference is that schools are closed (they are used as polling places). So there will be a lot more (over a million) kids on the street than usual. It is an official public holiday (presidential elections only) but nothing is closed that I am aware of - and the major stores often have election day sales.

There are not any rallies or other specific activities (US elections are decided primarily through the media - TV, newspapers and phone banks) although you may see sound trucks - but their use is limited since elecctioneering cannot happen near any polling place.

The only major difference you will notice is the lack of regular TV shows - there will be nothing but election coverage (not only presidential but all of the senatorial, congressional, gobernatorial and mayoral elections) except for some cable channels.