If you’re an avowed critic of artificial intelligence, you’ll not be surprised by what you’re about to read.
According to some AI sources — here’s lookin’ at you, Google — Election Day, Nov. 3, is a state-recognized holiday in Illinois. True enough. However, it is NOT a school-sanctioned holiday.
Sayeth Google: “K-12 Public Schools: Election Day is a mandatory school holiday for public K-12 students, and closed schools often serve as polling places.”
NOT TRUE.
Let’s try to clear up any confusion that might be lingering. The Illinois legislature passed a law that mandated General Election Day as a state holiday. In 2022, for example, Illinois schoolkids had the day off.
It remains a “state holiday.” So don’t bother trying to, for example, get a new driver’s license at a Secretary of State facility. It’ll be closed. However, that doesn’t mean kids have a day out of school.
According to information provided by the Illinois State Board of Education, “There is currently no law prohibiting school activities on any upcoming midterm or general election day. Senate Bill 3511 was introduced to make all even-number years a required holiday for general elections, but this bill did not pass in the spring 2026 legislative session.”
Therefore, students in Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana District 116 will be in session on Nov. 3. However, it is possible that students in other districts — particularly where school buildings serve as polling places — might not have school that day.
As for the University of Illinois, it is in session. No free day for the students, or anyone else associated with the university.
It’s best to check your local school’s calendar. In any event, don’t just assume that the answer you received from Google is correct.
For information on the 2026 election in the C-U area, click here.