Is election day a holiday?
Election Day is not a federal holiday, as per the Federal Reserve System. This means federal offices, post offices, and most businesses remain open. However, some states treat it as a state holiday — government offices may close in those states. A total of 24 states and Washington D.C. offer paid time off to vote. Other states give time off to vote but without pay.
Are stock markets closed?
The stock markets will remain open on Election Day. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq do not close for Election Day. The core trading session for the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The pre-opening session begins at 6:30 a.m. ET, where orders can be placed before the market opens. The early trading session starts from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the core trading hours.ALSO READ: Virginia governor race polls on November 4: timing, polling places, ballot information and all details
The late trading session continues after market close, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. The closing auction happens at 4:00 p.m. ET, marking the end of the official trading day.
NYSE options and ETFs
NYSE American Options and NYSE Arca Options both trade from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET for equity and ETF options. Some ETF and index options, like MNX and NDX, trade slightly longer—until 4:15 p.m. ET. ETN Options (like GAZ, OIL, VXX, VXZ) also follow extended trading until 4:15 p.m. ET.
Early closures to note
Markets close early at 1:00 p.m. ET (1:15 p.m. for eligible options) before certain holidays. These include:
- Friday, November 28, 2025 (day after Thanksgiving)
- Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve)
On these days, late trading sessions close at 5:00 p.m. ET.
On Election Day, November 4, 2025, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will remain fully open. All trading — from stocks and bonds to options — will follow normal schedules. Election Day is not a federal or market holiday, so investors can trade as usual. The next market break after Election Day will be Thanksgiving Day on November 27, 2025.
FAQs
Q1. Is Election Day 2025 a holiday in the U.S.?
No, Election Day is not a federal holiday. Most businesses, banks, and post offices stay open, though some states give paid or unpaid time off to vote.
Q2. Are stock markets closed on Election Day 2025?
No, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will stay open on November 4, 2025, with normal trading hours from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.