2026 Midterm Elections: What Time Do Polls Close Today 2026

The 2026 midterm elections are here, and voters across the country are heading to the polls to decide the balance of power in Congress and key statehouses. With 35 Senate seats, 36 governors’ races, and all 435 House seats up for grabs, the stakes are high. But first, many Americans want to know: what time do the polls close today? Here’s a rundown of poll closing times and the key races to watch.

When Do Polls Close in the 2026 Midterm Elections?

Poll closing times vary by state and even by county, especially in states that span multiple time zones. The first polls close at 6 p.m. ET in parts of Indiana and Kentucky, while the last polls close at 1 a.m. ET in Alaska. Below is a general guide to when polls close across the country, but always check with your local election office for the exact time in your area.

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

Key Senate Races and Poll Closing Times

Democrats need to gain four seats to secure a 51-seat majority in the Senate, making several races critical. In Pennsylvania, where polls close at 8 p.m. ET, the battle between the parties could determine control. Georgia (7 p.m. ET) is another key state, with a closely watched Senate contest. Arizona (9 p.m. ET) and Nevada (10 p.m. ET) are also expected to be competitive. Meanwhile, Republicans are defending seats in Florida (7 p.m. ET) and Ohio (7:30 p.m. ET), where Democrats are hoping to flip seats.

Governors’ Races to Watch

Thirty-six governors’ races will also be decided today, with several potentially impacting national politics. In Texas (polls close at 9 p.m. ET), the governor’s race has drawn national attention. Florida (7 p.m. ET) and New York (9 p.m. ET) also feature competitive gubernatorial contests. These races could influence state-level policies on issues ranging from abortion access to election administration.

Ballot Measures Across the Country

Voters in several states will also decide on ballot measures addressing election administration and abortion access. In Michigan (9 p.m. ET), a measure on election administration is on the ballot. California (11 p.m. ET) has a measure related to abortion access. These measures could have long-lasting effects on state law and are worth watching as results come in.

What to Watch as Results Come In

With more than 56 million Americans having already cast early ballots, turnout is expected to be high. As polls close, keep an eye on key bellwether districts and the margin of victory in early-reported counties. The affordability crisis, the Iran war, and the immigration crackdown have been central themes, and their impact on voter behavior will become clearer as results are tallied. For a deeper dive into the issues shaping this election, see our analysis of US Midterm Elections 2026: Economy, Iran, Immigration Explained.

Comparison of Key Poll Closing Times

FAQ

As the night unfolds, the focus will also be on how the Trump administration’s policies are playing out at the ballot box. Our report on Trump's narrative vs voter realities in midterm elections examines the gap between White House messaging and what voters are actually experiencing.

Legal battles over election rules have been ongoing, and the Attorney General’s strategy to protect the integrity of the midterms is worth understanding. We cover that in Protecting Midterm Elections: Attorney General's Legal Strategy.

Republicans have also had to navigate internal divisions, particularly over the Iran war. Our article on Republicans turn on Iran war as midterm elections approach details how that debate is shaping races.

For a broader look at the primary results that set the stage for today, see Midterm Primary Elections: 5 Key State Takeaways for Voters. And if you’re wondering how the economy is influencing your vote, our US Economy and Midterm Elections: Your Questions Answered provides clarity.

Finally, the role of the military in elections has been a topic of discussion, but as we reported, there are no plans to send troops to 2026 midterm polling sites. Stay informed and make your voice heard.