what time do the polls open today: trending now
03-11-2026
What Time Do the Polls Open Today? State-by-State Voting Hours Guide
Most polling places across the United States open between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. local time on Election Day. However, exact polling hours vary significantly depending on state law, county regulations, and local time zones.
Nationwide Polling Place Opening Times
5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. ET: Vermont (select municipalities open as early as 5:00 a.m.), followed by Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia opening at 6:00 a.m. ET.
6:30 a.m. ET: North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia.
7:00 a.m. Local Time: The majority of states open at 7:00 a.m., including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.
8:00 a.m. Local Time: Arizona, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
Later Openings (Pacific, Alaska, Hawaii): Polling locations in Alaska and Washington typically open by 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. AKST/PST, while polling centers in Hawaii open at 7:00 a.m. HST (12:00 p.m. ET).
Key Voting Information You Need to Know
Voter Rights in Line: As long as you are physically in line before your polling place’s official closing time (typically between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. local time), election workers are legally required to let you cast your ballot.
Find Your Precinct: Polling locations can change between elections. Check your assigned precinct and sample ballot through your local Secretary of State or county elections division website.
Voter ID Requirements: Make sure to review your state’s specific voter identification laws before heading out, whether a government-issued photo ID, non-photo ID, or signature verification is required.