Polls are closing at staggered times across the United States as voters take part in the 2026 midterm elections, with early results expected on Tuesday evening but some closely fought races potentially taking days to resolve.
Ballots are being cast in local contests as well as higher-profile races for governor and the Senate. The first polling locations are scheduled to close at 6pm Eastern Time, while the final closures are due in Alaska after midnight.
When polls close in the 2026 midterm elections
Polling stations in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia are scheduled to close at 7pm Eastern Time.
North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia follow at 7.30pm, while polls in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island close at 8pm.
Arkansas is due to close at 8.30pm. At 9pm, polls close in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Most polling locations in Texas close an hour earlier.
Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota and Utah are scheduled to close at 10pm. Polls in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington close at 11pm.
Hawaii is due to close at midnight, followed by Alaska at 1am Eastern Time.
When will the 2026 midterm election results be known?
Initial results can begin to emerge as soon as polling places close, with further returns released as election offices process and count ballots.
Some races with sizeable margins may be projected on Tuesday night. However, tight contests may require additional counting or recounts before a winner can be called.
The timing of the count varies between states because of differences in election laws, ballot-processing procedures and the resources available to election offices.
News organisations including the Associated Press use available returns and other verified information before projecting a result, meaning the final outcome of some races may not be clear for several days.
