Polls in the United States typically open in the morning and close in the evening, but exact hours vary by state (and sometimes by county or even by polling place). Here’s a concise guide you can use to plan:
- General opening times: Most states start voting between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Local time. Some locations may open earlier or later by a small margin, but 7:00 a.m. is a common standard in many jurisdictions. If you’re voting in a major city, there can be variations based on local rules.
- General closing times: The vast majority of polling places close between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. local time. A handful of states use 9:00 p.m. or have districts with different closing times, especially in places with early or late voting windows.
- In-line voting rule: In many states, if a voter is in line when polls close, they are still allowed to vote. This often means long lines can extend the voting window for some voters.
- Special cases: Some locations operate with variations by county or precinct, particularly in states with gaps between municipal and township boundaries. Check for any last-minute changes due to weather, emergencies, or equipment issues.
How to get the exact hours for your address
- Check your state or local election office website for precise polling hours on Election Day.
- If your state uses a single searchable portal (e.g., SOS or elections board), enter your address to retrieve your polling location and hours.
- If you have a mail-in ballot or vote-by-mail plan, verify any deadlines or in-person voting requirements in your jurisdiction.
If you’d like, tell me your state or city and I can give you the precise local opening and closing times for your polling place, plus any in-line voting rules that might apply.
