What Time Do U.S. Polls Close for the 2024 Election? A Comprehensive State-by-State Guide
For the 2024 U.S. presidential election on November 5, polls close at different times depending on the state.
Overview of Poll Closing Times by Region and Time Zone
Poll closing times vary significantly across the United States, especially in states that span multiple time zones. Below is a complete guide by time zone, showing when polls close in each state for Election Day 2024.
Early Poll Closures at 6:00 PM Eastern Time
Poll closures start at 6:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), with two states leading the count:
- Indiana (Eastern Time Zone): Most of Indiana closes at 6:00 PM ET, though parts of the state in Central Time close at 7:00 PM ET.
- Kentucky (Eastern Time Zone): Like Indiana, most Kentucky precincts close at 6:00 PM ET, with Central Time areas closing an hour later.
Key 7:00 PM Eastern Time Closures
Several states end voting at 7:00 PM ET, including battleground states that can impact early election results:
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Florida: While most of Florida closes at 7:00 PM ET, counties in the Central Time Zone close at 8:00 PM ET, reflecting Florida’s split time zone.
7:30 PM Eastern Time Closures
Three states have polls closing at 7:30 PM ET:
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- West Virginia
North Carolina and Ohio are critical swing states, making this an important time slot for election watchers.
Major Closures at 8:00 PM Eastern Time
At 8:00 PM ET, a large portion of the country’s polls close, encompassing several significant states:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee: Eastern Time areas close at 8:00 PM ET, while Central Time zones close at 7:00 PM local time.
- Texas: Most of Texas closes at 8:00 PM ET, though areas in the Mountain Time Zone close an hour later at 9:00 PM ET.
8:30 PM Eastern Time: Arkansas
- Arkansas: The only state closing polls at 8:30 PM ET.
9:00 PM Eastern Time Closures
This time includes a mix of states from the Mountain and Central Time Zones:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- New York
- Nebraska (Central and Mountain Time Zones): The eastern portion of Nebraska closes at 8:00 PM ET, while the Mountain Time Zone part closes at 9:00 PM ET.
- South Dakota: Central Time Zone areas close at 8:00 PM ET, while Mountain Time areas close at 9:00 PM ET.
10:00 PM Eastern Time Closures
At 10:00 PM ET, states with large geographic areas and diverse populations complete their voting:
- Idaho (Mountain Time Zone)
- Montana
- Utah
- Nevada
- Oregon: Oregon also has split time zones; polls close simultaneously across Mountain and Pacific Time regions.
West Coast Closures at 11:00 PM Eastern Time
The West Coast, home to several high-population states, concludes voting at 11:00 PM ET:
- Californi
- Washington
- Oregon
- Idaho (Pacific Time Zone)
California’s large number of electoral votes and historically Democratic leanings make it one of the final states to watch as results roll in
Final Closures from Midnight to 1:00 AM Eastern Time
The last poll closures occur in Alaska and Hawaii:
- Alaska: Most areas close at midnight ET, though some precincts in remote areas may close by 1:00 AM ET.
- Hawaii: As the westernmost state, Hawaii closes at 1:00 AM ET, marking the official end of voting on Election Day.
Why Poll Closing Times Matter
Poll closing times directly impact the flow of election results. As states finish voting and local boards begin counting ballots, early and battleground states provide the first clues to election outcomes.
For example:
- 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET Closures: Early results from states like Indiana and Kentucky can set initial trends.
- 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET Closures: Key swing states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina play a central role, often creating the “pivot points” in election night coverage.
- 11:00 PM ET and Later: States on the West Coast and Alaska bring final tallies that can confirm or challenge earlier predictions.
Summary Table of Key Poll Closing Times (All Eastern Time)
| Time | States |
|---|---|
| 6:00 PM | Indiana (Eastern Zone), Kentucky (Eastern Zone) |
| 7:00 PM | Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, parts of Florida |
| 7:30 PM | North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia |
| 8:00 PM | Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, PA, TX |
| 8:30 PM | Arkansas |
| 9:00 PM | Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, New York |
| 10:00 PM | Idaho, Montana, Utah, Nevada, Oregon |
| 11:00 PM | California, Washington, Oregon |
| 12:00 AM | Alaska |
| 1:00 AM | Hawaii |
Tips for Voters on Election Day
To ensure a smooth voting experience:
- Check Your Local Poll Hours: Confirm specific closing times at your precinct to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Arrive Early: Polling places can be busy, so arrive with plenty of time to cast your ballot.
- Know What’s on Your Ballot: Being informed saves time and helps you vote confidently.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 election promises to be an impactful event, with diverse poll closing times across the U.S. affecting voters and news coverage.
By knowing when polls close in each state, voters can make informed choices and avoid the stress of missing the voting deadline.
As Election Day progresses, these closing times will shape the narrative of election night and influence when states can declare results, especially in closely contested areas.