On November 5, millions of Americans will head to the polls to decide between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, in a crucial election that has captured both national and international attention. One of the most searched questions on Google these days is: “What time does voting end?” Many want to know how late they can cast their votes and when the first results might be available.

Here’s a breakdown of polling times across various states and the reasons that might delay the final outcome of this highly anticipated election.

What Time Do Polls Open and Close?

In the United States, there’s no national standard time for polls to open. Each state sets its own voting hours, meaning that voters can go to the polls at different times depending on their location. Generally, polls open between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. local time, though some may open as late as 10:00 a.m.

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What Time Does Voting End?

Closing times also vary. Some states, like Indiana and Kentucky, end voting as early as 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In contrast, Hawaii and Alaska, the westernmost states, keep their polls open until midnight Eastern Time, or 5:00 a.m. GMT.

Key battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina will close their polls between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (midnight to 1:00 a.m. GMT). Meanwhile, the “Blue Wall” states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—will close polls between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

It’s here! The Downballot’s famous poll closing times map is back, sponsored by @314action!

In the map below, all times are Eastern, but we have versions for every U.S. time zone (including territories!), plus one for color-blind folks. Find them here: https://t.co/HjkGNE2TzL pic.twitter.com/H6MIps28As

— The Downballot (@downballotnews) October 31, 2024

Here is a breakdown of the poll closing times across different states in the United States for November 5, 2024, as shown in the image (all times in Eastern Time):

• 6:00 p.m.: Polls close in parts of Indiana and Kentucky.
• 7:00 p.m.: Polls close in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, most of Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, and Vermont.
• 7:30 p.m.: Polls close in Ohio, North Carolina, and West Virginia.
• 8:00 p.m.: Polls close in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington D.C.
• 8:30 p.m.: Polls close in Arkansas.
• 9:00 p.m.: Polls close in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
• 10:00 p.m.: Polls close in Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nevada, and Utah.
• 11:00 p.m.: Polls close in California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.
• 12:00 a.m.: Polls close in Alaska.
• 1:00 a.m.: Polls close in portions of Alaska (last polls to close).

When Are the First Results Expected?

While some preliminary results may be announced shortly after polls close in early-reporting states, it’s unlikely a winner will be declared on the night of November 5. Several factors could delay a final outcome:

1. Recounts in Key States: States like Arizona and Nevada, crucial for both candidates, typically receive a significant number of mail-in ballots that aren’t processed until Election Day ends. Some of these votes, known as “late early ballots,” can only be counted after polls have closed.
2. Mail-in Ballot Processing Rules: Pennsylvania, a pivotal state with 19 electoral votes, doesn’t start processing mail ballots until 7:00 a.m. on Election Day, which means the final tally could take up to 24 hours after polls close.
3. External Delays: North Carolina, recently impacted by Hurricane Helene, faces infrastructure challenges that could lead to slower vote processing. Other states like Michigan and Nevada have updated their laws to streamline vote counting, allowing ballots to be processed in advance of Election Day.

What Factors Could Delay Results Even Further?

Some observers are concerned that certain groups may try to disrupt the vote count in key states. In the 2020 election, several members of Congress contested the results in Pennsylvania and Arizona, while in other states, unauthorized individuals attempted to submit fake electoral votes in favor of Donald Trump. Tactics like these could add further delays to the vote count in 2024.

Additionally, large urban areas in Wisconsin, like Milwaukee and Dane counties, face logistical challenges in counting votes due to their dense populations and the significant number of ballots cast.

Why Is This Election Different?

Since the 2020 election, multiple states have updated their voting laws to make the process more efficient. However, the global focus on this election has increased, with the Harris-Trump race seen as one of the most polarized and closely watched in recent years. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome and the pivotal role of swing states guarantee intense public scrutiny at every stage of the process.

Key Questions for Election Day

1. What time does voting end? This question has topped Google searches as voters seek to ensure they have enough time to participate.
2. When will we know the results? Despite advancements in vote processing, it’s likely the wait will extend beyond election night.
3. Which states are critical in this election? Swing states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada will play a decisive role.

With millions of Americans ready to cast their votes on November 5, this election day promises to be historic as the next U.S. president is chosen: Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.

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