Election Day 2024: Your Guide to When Polls Close By State

Understanding when polls close on Election Day is crucial for voters who want to cast their ballots in a timely manner. Each state in the U.S. sets its own hours for polling places, often leading to a range of closing times across the nation. Below is a detailed state-by-state breakdown of poll closing times.

But before we dive in, a few things of note: In the United States, voter rights are designed to uphold and protect the democratic process. Some key rights include:

The Right to Vote:
- Every U.S. citizen over the age of 18 has the fundamental right to vote, regardless of race, gender, disability, or socio-economic status.
- According to the ACLU, if you are standing in line before polls close on Tuesday, you have a legal right to vote.
- Same-day registration is allowed only on Election Day in Connecticut, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Right to Be Free From Discrimination:
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits discriminatory practices in voting, ensuring that no voter is excluded based on race or minority status.
The Right to an Accessible and Fair Voting Process:
- This includes the right to an accessible polling place, assistance if needed, and a fair electoral process without intimidation.
The Right to Get Time Off Work to Vote:
- Twenty-eight states and Washington, D.C., require employers to provide employees with time off to vote on Election Day: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

When Do Voting Polls Close in Each State?

*All polling hours are in local times.

Alabama: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alaska: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Arizona: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Arkansas: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
California: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Colorado: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Connecticut: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Delaware: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
District of Columbia: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Florida: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Georgia: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hawaii: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Idaho: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Illinois: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Indiana: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Iowa: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Kansas: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kentucky: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Louisiana: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Maine: Hours vary, but polls can open from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and all close by 8 p.m.
Maryland: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Massachusetts: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Michigan: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Minnesota: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mississippi: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Missouri: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Montana: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nebraska: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Central time zone); 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mountain time zone)
Nevada: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New Hampshire: Hours vary by county or municipality. Polls must open by 11 a.m., and most of the state closes at 7 p.m.
New Jersey: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New Mexico: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New York: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
North Carolina: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
North Dakota: Open between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.; close 7 p.m. local time.
Ohio: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Oklahoma: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Oregon: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pennsylvania: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Rhode Island: Most open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
South Carolina: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
South Dakota: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tennessee: It varies by county, with opening times between 6 and 10 a.m.; polls close between 7 and 8 p.m.
Texas: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Utah: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Vermont: Open between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.; close at 7 p.m.
Virginia: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Washington: Poll opening hours vary; close at 8 p.m.
West Virginia: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wisconsin: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wyoming: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tips for First-Time Voters

Navigating the voting process can be confusing, especially if it's your first time. Here are 10 essential tips to guide you:

Register Early: Ensure you're registered well ahead of the deadline.
Research Candidates and Issues: Be informed about who's on the ballot and the issues at stake.
Plan Your Vote: Decide whether you'll vote in person or absentee and know your polling location.
Check Voting Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the type of voting equipment used in your precinct.
Bring ID: Understand your state’s ID requirements and bring the necessary documentation.
Understand Your Rights: Know what to do if you face issues at the polls.
Vote Early: Take advantage of early voting to avoid long lines.
Ask for Help: Poll workers are there to assist you—don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Stay Calm: Expect a wait, but remember your participation is a critical part of democracy.
Celebrate Your Vote: Share your experience and encourage others to participate!

Election Day Stress and Mental Health

Participating in elections can be both thrilling and stressful. To help manage any Election Day anxiety, consider these mental health tips:

Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed: Follow trusted news sources and set limits on media consumption.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that relax and recharge you, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling.
Connect with Others: Share your thoughts and feelings with friends or support groups.
Focus on What You Can Control: Remember that your vote and involvement are powerful.

Your vote is not just a right; it’s a responsibility. By staying informed, you ensure you can participate fully and effectively in the democratic process. Educate yourself on your state’s laws, and take every opportunity to share this knowledge with others. Together, we can create a more engaged and informed electorate.

Remember, every vote counts!