Polls open at 5am in Vermont: 2026 midterm voting hours by state
The 2026 midterm elections are underway on November 3, with polling hours varying by state. Vermont’s polls open at 5am (10:00 GMT)—the earliest in the country—while New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut, and Kentucky begin voting at 6am (11:00 GMT).
Key numbers
| Stat | Figure | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible voters | 230 million | November 3, 2026 | USA.gov |
What happened
The 2026 midterm elections are underway on November 3, with polling hours varying by state. Vermont’s polls open at 5am (10:00 GMT)—the earliest in the country—while New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut, and Kentucky begin voting at 6am (11:00 GMT). Polls close in waves, with Indiana and Kentucky closing at 6pm (23:00 GMT) and Alaska the last to close at 1am Eastern Time (06:00 GMT) on November 4.
Who is affected
All 230 million eligible voters in the U.S. are affected, with 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and 36 gubernatorial races on the ballot. Voters in states like New York (polls close at 9pm) and Alaska (polls close at 1am ET) face different schedules due to time zones and local variations.
Timeline of polls open time
- 5am (10:00 GMT) – Vermont’s polls open, the earliest in the country.
- 6am (11:00 GMT) – Polls open in New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut, and Kentucky.
- 6:30am (11:30 GMT) – Polls open in Ohio and North Carolina.
- 7am (12:00 GMT) – Polls open in Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York.
- 8pm (23:00 GMT) – Indiana and Kentucky polls close.
- 1am Eastern Time (06:00 GMT) – Alaska polls close, the last in the country.
What to do next
Voters should confirm their polling location and hours using the official USA.gov polling place locator or their state’s election office. If arriving early, note that voters in line when polls close are allowed to cast ballots.
What we know and don’t know
We know exact polling hours for most states, but some jurisdictions—like New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Washington—allow local variations, so voters should verify their specific polling location. We don’t yet know the final results, as vote counts continue throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.
Why it matters
The midterms will determine control of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term, with 35 Senate seats, all 435 House seats, and 36 gubernatorial races on the ballot. The outcome will shape policy and political dynamics for the remainder of his presidency.
Frequently asked questions
What time do polls open in my state?
Polling hours vary by state. Vermont opens at 5am, while most states open between 6am and 7am. Check your local election office for exact times.
Can I vote if I’m in line when polls close?
Yes. Voters already in line when polls close are allowed to cast their ballots, even if they have to wait past the official closing time.
How do I find my polling place?
Use the official USA.gov polling place locator or contact your state’s election office to confirm your assigned polling location and hours.
Are polling hours the same in every county?
No. States like New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Washington allow local variations. Always verify your specific polling location’s hours.
What’s on the ballot in 2026?
Voters will elect all 435 House members, 35 of the 100 Senate seats, and governors in 36 states. No presidential election is held.
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Sources
- US Midterm Elections 2026 — aljazeera.com, 2026-11-03
- 🗳️ What Time Do Polls Open and Close in the 2026 Midterm Elections? Voting Hours by State — depor.com, 2026-11-03
- Still need to finish your midterm ballot? Find your local voter guide here — npr.org, 2026-10-30
- How to vote in the US midterm elections: Find when polls open, close, and other details — mashable.com, 2026-11-02
- Poll: How are you voting for the midterms? — upnorthlive.com, 2026-11-02