As Election Day approaches, one of the most common questions New Yorkers ask is: “When do polls close NYC?” For the 2025 General Election, the answer is simple but essential — polls in New York City open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
These official voting hours are consistent across all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Every voter who is in line by 9:00 p.m. will still be permitted to cast a ballot, even if it takes additional time beyond the official closing hour.
Let’s take a detailed look at everything you need to know about NYC polling hours, how to prepare, and what happens once the polls close.
Table of Contents
Polling Hours in New York City
In New York City, Election Day voting follows a statewide schedule established by New York Election Law. This means all polling sites in the city open promptly at 6:00 a.m. and close exactly at 9:00 p.m.
These hours apply to both primary elections and general elections, giving voters a full 15 hours to make it to the polls. Whether you’re an early riser or voting after work, this wide time frame ensures that every eligible voter has a fair opportunity to participate.
If you’re in line before 9:00 p.m., you cannot be turned away. Even if the voting process continues after that time, all voters who joined the line before the cutoff are legally entitled to cast their ballot.
Why Knowing the Poll Closing Time Matters
Understanding when polls close in NYC helps voters avoid last-minute rushes, missed deadlines, and long lines. With New York’s fast-paced environment, small delays can make a big difference.
Here’s why the 9:00 p.m. closing time matters so much:
- Transit delays can push arrival times back, especially during evening rush hour.
- Long lines often form just before closing, particularly in busy precincts.
- Weather conditions or traffic can unexpectedly slow travel.
Knowing the exact closing time allows you to plan ahead, arrive early, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Election Day Timeline
Here’s what the day typically looks like for New York City voters on Election Day:
| Time (ET) | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 6:00 a.m. | Polls officially open citywide |
| 9:00 a.m. | Early morning voters taper off |
| 12:00 p.m. | Midday lull — great time to vote with shorter lines |
| 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Evening rush begins as workers finish for the day |
| 9:00 p.m. | Polls close to new voters, but anyone in line still votes |
| After 9:00 p.m. | Ballot boxes are sealed and results begin being tallied |
This timeline helps you decide the best time to cast your vote while avoiding peak crowds.
The “In Line by 9:00 p.m.” Rule
The rule about being in line by 9:00 p.m. is one of the most important voting protections in New York. If you’re standing in line at your polling place before that time, you will still be allowed to vote — even if you don’t reach the booth until well after 9:00 p.m.
However, no new voters are permitted to join the line after 9:00 p.m. That’s why it’s critical to know the exact time polls close and plan your travel accordingly.
Tip: To avoid stress, aim to arrive at your polling location no later than 8:30 p.m., just in case lines are long.
Early Voting Options
While Election Day remains the most popular time to vote, New York City also offers early voting for several days before the election. Early voting hours differ by day and location, but they generally open later and close earlier than the official Election Day hours.
Most early voting sites operate during the following hours:
- Weekdays: between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Weekends: between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Early voting provides flexibility for those unable to make it on Election Day and helps reduce congestion at polling sites on November 4, 2025.
Where to Vote
Each voter in New York City is assigned a specific polling place based on their residential address. To ensure a smooth experience, confirm your polling site before Election Day.
Here are key things to remember:
- Polling places sometimes change due to renovations or accessibility updates.
- Your early voting location may be different from your Election Day site.
- You can check your polling site details online using the New York City Board of Elections website or voter lookup tool.
Knowing your location ahead of time ensures you don’t waste valuable minutes traveling to the wrong place when the polls are about to close.
Voter Accessibility and Assistance
All New York City polling sites are required by law to be accessible to voters with disabilities. This includes wheelchair ramps, accessible entrances, and ballot-marking devices for voters who need assistance.
In addition, election interpreters and multilingual staff are available in several languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Bengali, and more. Voters can request language assistance if needed — no voter should feel excluded because of language barriers.
Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Issues
To make sure you vote without stress or confusion, follow these simple Election Day tips:
- Check your registration status before Election Day.
- Confirm your polling place and note its hours (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.).
- Bring identification if you’re a first-time voter or recently changed your address.
- Avoid peak hours by voting mid-morning or early afternoon.
- Arrive before 9:00 p.m. — even one minute late can disqualify you.
- Be patient if lines are long — everyone in line by 9:00 p.m. will still vote.
What Happens After Polls Close
Once polls close at 9:00 p.m., election workers begin the official closing procedures. They secure ballot scanners, seal boxes, and account for all voting materials. After that, ballots are transported for counting, and preliminary results begin to appear within hours.
However, full election results are not immediately final. Absentee ballots, early votes, and affidavit ballots are tallied in the following days to ensure every legitimate vote is included.
For those wondering “when do polls close NYC,” it’s important to note that the poll closing time marks the end of in-person voting, not the end of the counting process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still vote if I arrive at 9:01 p.m.?
A: Unfortunately, no. Only voters who are already in line by 9:00 p.m. are allowed to cast a ballot.
Q: Do polling hours differ by borough?
A: No. Polls open and close at the same time across all five boroughs — from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Q: Can poll hours be extended?
A: Only under exceptional circumstances, such as court orders or emergencies. Unless announced officially, polls will close promptly at 9:00 p.m.
Q: Is early voting the same as mail-in voting?
A: No. Early voting is done in person at designated sites before Election Day, while mail-in voting requires a completed absentee ballot submitted by the deadline.
Key Takeaways
If you’re a voter in New York City preparing for the 2025 election, remember the key details:
- Polls open at 6:00 a.m.
- Polls close at 9:00 p.m.
- Anyone in line by 9:00 p.m. has the right to vote.
- Early voting is available before Election Day with separate hours.
- Polling sites are accessible and multilingual support is available.
The “when do polls close NYC” question may sound simple, but it’s a critical detail that ensures you don’t lose your opportunity to participate in one of the most important civic duties — voting.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Election Day in New York City is not just a local event; it’s a reflection of the nation’s democratic spirit. Whether you’re voting for city leadership, state offices, or national representation, knowing when and where to vote ensures your voice is counted.
A few minutes of planning — checking your site, knowing the 9:00 p.m. cutoff, and arriving early — can make the difference between voting successfully and missing out entirely.
So, to put it simply — when do polls close NYC? Polls close at 9:00 p.m. sharp. Don’t wait until the last minute — plan your day, show up early, and make your voice heard.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and let us know in the comments how your Election Day experience went — your voice matters.