Election Day 2026: Here’s when polls open and close across the country

Millions of Americans are heading to the polls Tuesday, with control of Congress and dozens of governor’s offices at stake.

Millions of Americans are heading to the polls Tuesday as the 2026 midterm elections get underway, with control of Congress, dozens of governor’s offices and key policy decisions on the ballot.

For voters who have not yet cast their ballots, knowing when polling places open and close could make all the difference.

According to CBS News, polling hours vary by state, with the earliest locations opening at 5 a.m. Eastern time and the final polling places closing at 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The outlet reports that 47 states and Washington, D.C., offer early voting options, while Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire do not. More than 57 million voters had already cast ballots early this year.

When do polls open on Election Day?

Voting times vary across the country. In the Eastern time zone, polls open as early as 5 a.m. in Vermont, while several states, including New York, New Jersey and Virginia, open at 6 a.m.

Polls open at 7 a.m. in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania and Georgia, among other states.

On the West Coast, polling places in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington open at 10 a.m. Pacific time.

When do polls close?

The first polling places close at 6 p.m. Eastern time in parts of Indiana and Kentucky.

Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia are among the states closing at 7 p.m. Eastern time. North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia follow at 7:30 p.m.

Polls in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania and several other states close at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Voters in California, Oregon and Washington will have until 11 p.m. Eastern time to cast their ballots. Alaska’s polling places close as late as 1 a.m. Wednesday.

What if you’re still in line when polls close?

Voters who are in line before their polling place closes are entitled to cast their ballots, even if they have to wait beyond the official closing time.

With several competitive races expected to shape the nation’s political landscape, every vote could matter.

Voters should check their local election officials for polling locations, hours and any additional requirements before heading out to cast their ballots.