US Election Day: State-by-State Poll Closures
Election Day is a crucial day in the US political calendar, with millions of Americans heading to the polls to cast their votes. But with a vast and diverse nation, knowing when polls close in each state is essential for accurate and timely election coverage.
This guide provides a comprehensive state-by-state breakdown of poll closing times for the upcoming US election, ensuring you stay informed throughout the day.
Important Considerations:
- Time Zones: Remember that poll closing times vary significantly depending on time zones.
- Early Voting: Many states offer early voting options, allowing voters to cast their ballots before Election Day.
- Absentee Voting: Absentee voting is also available in many states, allowing eligible voters to submit their ballots by mail or other designated methods.
State-by-State Poll Closing Times:
Eastern Time Zone:
- Connecticut: 8:00 PM
- Delaware: 8:00 PM
- Florida: 8:00 PM
- Georgia: 7:00 PM
- Indiana: 6:00 PM
- Kentucky: 6:00 PM
- Maine: 8:00 PM
- Maryland: 8:00 PM
- Massachusetts: 8:00 PM
- Michigan: 8:00 PM
- New Hampshire: 8:00 PM
- New Jersey: 8:00 PM
- New York: 9:00 PM
- North Carolina: 7:30 PM
- Ohio: 7:30 PM
- Pennsylvania: 8:00 PM
- Rhode Island: 8:00 PM
- South Carolina: 7:00 PM
- Vermont: 7:00 PM
- Virginia: 7:00 PM
- West Virginia: 7:30 PM
Central Time Zone:
- Alabama: 7:00 PM
- Arkansas: 7:30 PM
- Illinois: 7:00 PM
- Iowa: 9:00 PM
- Kansas: 7:00 PM
- Louisiana: 8:00 PM
- Minnesota: 8:00 PM
- Mississippi: 7:00 PM
- Missouri: 7:00 PM
- Nebraska: 8:00 PM
- North Dakota: 8:00 PM
- Oklahoma: 7:00 PM
- South Dakota: 7:00 PM
- Tennessee: 7:00 PM
- Texas: 7:00 PM
- Wisconsin: 8:00 PM
Mountain Time Zone:
- Arizona: 7:00 PM
- Colorado: 7:00 PM
- Idaho: 8:00 PM
- Montana: 8:00 PM
- New Mexico: 7:00 PM
- Utah: 7:00 PM
- Wyoming: 7:00 PM
Pacific Time Zone:
- Alaska: 11:00 PM
- California: 8:00 PM
- Hawaii: 6:00 PM
- Nevada: 7:00 PM
- Oregon: 8:00 PM
- Washington: 8:00 PM
Staying Informed on Election Night:
With poll closures occurring at different times across the country, staying informed on Election Night can be challenging. Here are a few tips:
- Reliable News Sources: Stick to reputable news sources for accurate and unbiased election coverage.
- Social Media: Use social media responsibly, being mindful of misinformation and biased reporting.
- Election Apps: Download election apps that provide real-time results and updates from various states.
As Election Day unfolds, stay informed, engaged, and respectful of the democratic process. By knowing the poll closing times in each state, you can better understand the unfolding election results and their significance.