When Do Polls Open on Election Day? All 50 States.

Understanding Polling Times for State and Local Elections

On Tuesday, November 4, millions of Americans will cast their votes in state and local elections. While this isn’t a presidential election, the significance of these races should not be underestimated. These elections determine the leadership of cities, counties, and states, and can have a major impact on policies that affect daily life.

If you plan to vote in person or drop off your ballot, it’s crucial to know when your local polling place opens. The timing varies depending on where you live, with some states starting as early as 5 a.m. and others as late as 10 a.m. This information is specific to your state, county, or municipality, so it’s important to check the details for your area.

Polling Times by State

Here is a breakdown of when polls open across the United States:

Polls Open at 6:00 a.m.

Arizona: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Connecticut: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Illinois: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Indiana: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kentucky: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Louisiana: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Maine: For municipalities with a population of 500 or more, polls open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.; for those with less than 500, between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. All close at 8 p.m.
Missouri: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New Jersey: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New York: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Virginia: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Polls Open at 6:30 a.m.

North Carolina: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Ohio: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
West Virginia: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Polls Open at 7:00 a.m.

Alabama: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alaska: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
California: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Colorado: 7 a.m. to 7 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.
Iowa: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Kansas: 7 a.m. to 7 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.
Montana: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nebraska: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nevada: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New Mexico: 7 a.m. to 7 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: 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.
Texas: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Utah: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wisconsin: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wyoming: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Polls Open at 7:30 a.m.

Arkansas: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Polls Open at 8:00 a.m.

Idaho: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nebraska (Central Time): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Variations in Polling Times

Some states have varying times based on the county or municipality. For example: - New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Washington have different opening times depending on the location. - North Dakota starts voting between 7 and 9 a.m. - Vermont has voting hours from 5 to 10 a.m.

Resources for Voters

For more detailed information about voting and voter registration, visit Vote.gov and USA.gov. These sites provide resources for all voters, including those who may register up until Election Day in some states.

Whether you're voting in a local race or a state-level contest, being informed about polling times is essential. Make sure to check your local guidelines to ensure you cast your vote on time.