When do the polling stations close? A state-by-state guide

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

The first closures are in parts of Indiana and Kentucky. (The western half of Kentucky and two small western corners of Indiana – the parts of the states that use Central Time instead of Eastern Time – will remain open for another hour.)

At the federal level, nothing competitive is happening in either state. In the presidential race, both are staunch Republicans, and there are no close races in the House or Senate, although Democrats are trying to break the Republican supermajority in the Indiana legislature.

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

This hour brings our first swing state graduation in Georgia. It is one of seven key states in the presidential race and votes are typically counted fairly quickly, but a close race – President Biden won Georgia by fewer than 12,000 votes in 2020 – could still mean a long wait for a winner.

Virginia has hotly contested House races in the Second and Seventh Districts, and in Florida, Democrats have a strong chance of picking up a Senate seat. We will also closely monitor the results of a referendum that would enshrine abortion rights in the Florida Constitution; A super majority of 60 percent is required for passage. Keep in mind that polls will be open for another hour in part of the state's conservative panhandle.

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

North Carolina and Ohio are the key states here. Polling stations in West Virginia also close at this time.

North Carolina is one of the seven presidential swing states. There is also a highly anticipated race for governor, but it may be less competitive than initially expected due to the scandals involving Republican candidate Mark Robinson. Although Ohio is not competitive in the presidential election, it is one of the states where control of the Senate will be decided: Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, is running for re-election against Republican Bernie Moreno.

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

This is a big deal as polls close in a number of states, including battlegrounds Michigan and Pennsylvania. (Some counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula will still be open for an hour.) These are two of the three “blue wall” states that Donald Trump flipped in 2016 but President Biden won in 2020, and they could very well The presidential election this year will probably determine the outcome. They also both have closely contested races in the Senate and several close races in the House of Representatives.

There is also a potentially hotly contested Senate race in Texas, where Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, will win re-election but could fall if Democrats have a particularly strong night. And Missouri has a referendum on abortion rights.

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

Polls are closed in Arkansas at this time, but there are no federal elections in the solidly Republican state.

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

Arizona and Wisconsin are two of the most important states to watch right now. They will be the fifth and sixth of the swing states to finish voting, leaving only Nevada open, and both also have closely contested Senate races.

Also keep an eye on Nebraska — it and Maine are the only states that split their electoral votes by congressional district, and the second district leans Democratic, but not overwhelmingly. If Trump won this district, it would be a good sign for him. Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, New Mexico and New York also have several House races to watch, and abortion rights referendums are on the ballot in Arizona, Nebraska and South Dakota.

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

The polls are now closed in all seven swing states, with Nevada – also home to a hotly contested Senate race – bringing up the rear.

Also important is Montana, where the outcome of the Senate race between Democratic incumbent Jon Tester and his Republican challenger Tim Sheehy could decide control of the chamber. Montanans and Nevadans also both vote on abortion rights referendums.

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

The point is that Congress in the states is now closing. There are at least 10 competitive House races between California, Oregon and Washington, more than enough to be crucial for control of the chamber. But don't expect quick results. California is notorious for its slow vote counts. In previous election cycles, some races remained uncalled more than a week after Election Day.

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

The polls are now closed in Hawaii, but there's nothing to see there – the presidential, Senate and House elections are all thoroughly Democratic. Continue to monitor the states that closed earlier. Or thinking about going to sleep?

States where polls are currently closed

What you should see

Seven hours after the first polls closed in the Eastern time zone, the night will end in Alaska. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, is fighting for re-election in a red state.

Results will continue to come in from Alaska and the rest of the country long after the last voter has gone home. If a candidate wins comfortably, we may have enough information at that point. But if the election is as close as the polls suggest, the wait could be much longer.