Election Day in New York City is one of the busiest civic events of the year, and many voters ask a key question: when do polls close NYC? For the 2025 general election, all official voting sites in New York City open early in the morning and remain accessible late into the evening to ensure that every registered voter has ample time to cast their ballot.
Polling Hours for New York City Voters
In New York City, polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Election Day. This schedule applies to all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
Every eligible voter standing in line by 9:00 p.m. will be permitted to vote, even if it takes additional time after the official closing hour to process everyone. This rule ensures that no voter who arrives before closing time is turned away.
These hours are set by New York State election law and apply uniformly across the city’s polling places for both general and primary elections.
Early Voting Period
For those unable to vote on Election Day, New York City offers early voting. In 2025, the early voting period will run for nine consecutive days before Election Day, including weekends.
Early voting hours vary slightly depending on location, but most early polling sites open between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and close between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., depending on the day.
Voters are encouraged to check their assigned early voting site in advance, since it may differ from their regular Election Day polling location.
Key Information for Election Day 2025
Here’s a quick reference guide for Election Day polling in New York City:
| Election Day Details (NYC) | Information |
|---|---|
| Polls Open | 6:00 a.m. ET |
| Polls Close | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| Eligible Voters | Registered NYC residents |
| Required ID | Only in specific cases (first-time voters without verification) |
| In-Line Voting Rule | Anyone in line by 9:00 p.m. can vote |
| Voting Method | In-person (machine) or ballot drop-off |
| Supervising Body | NYC Board of Elections |
Why Poll Hours Are Important
Knowing exactly when polls open and close helps voters plan their day efficiently. With New York City’s fast-paced environment, it’s easy to underestimate travel or wait times. Many voters choose early morning or late evening hours, leading to lines at those times.
Planning ahead to arrive during mid-day can save time and ensure a smoother voting experience. Remember, traffic, work schedules, and weather can all impact how long it takes to reach your polling place.
What Happens After 9:00 p.m.
Once the polls officially close at 9:00 p.m., election workers seal the ballot boxes and secure all voting machines. Any voters still waiting in line will continue to be processed, but no new voters may join the line.
After voting concludes, poll inspectors conduct a verification process, ensuring all votes are accounted for before transmitting preliminary tallies to the city’s central election system.
Unofficial results typically begin to appear within an hour after polls close, though full counts may take several days due to absentee, early, and provisional ballots.
Tips for Voters
If you’re planning to vote in the 2025 election, here are some helpful reminders:
- Confirm your polling site before Election Day, as locations can change.
- Arrive early if possible — mornings tend to have shorter lines.
- Bring required identification if you are voting for the first time or have unresolved registration details.
- Avoid peak hours, typically between 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 6:00–9:00 p.m.
- Stay in line if you arrive before 9:00 p.m.; you will still be allowed to vote.
Accessibility and Language Support
All polling locations in New York City are required to be accessible to voters with disabilities. This includes features like wheelchair ramps, accessible ballot-marking devices, and assistance from trained poll workers.
Additionally, ballots and instructions are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Bengali, and others, depending on the borough.
If you require translation assistance, bilingual poll workers or language interpretation services are available at designated sites.
How to Check Your Polling Place
Voters can easily verify their assigned polling location and early voting details using the New York City Board of Elections’ online lookup tool or by contacting the city’s election hotline. It’s essential to confirm this information, as polling places occasionally change due to construction, accessibility upgrades, or redistricting.
You can also find information about:
- Sample ballots
- Accessibility options
- Voter registration confirmation
- Absentee and mail-in ballot return deadlines
Checking these details in advance helps avoid confusion and ensures a smooth experience on Election Day.
Understanding the Timeline
To help plan ahead, here’s how the 2025 Election Day timeline will unfold for New York City voters:
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:00 a.m. | Polls officially open |
| 12:00 p.m. | Midday voting peak |
| 6:00 p.m. | Evening rush hour begins |
| 9:00 p.m. | Polls officially close |
| After 9:00 p.m. | Counting begins and results start to roll in |
This timeline helps illustrate how voting volume shifts throughout the day, especially during early morning and evening commutes.
Key Takeaway
If you’re wondering when do polls close NYC, the answer is straightforward — polls close at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Election Day, with voting sites opening at 6:00 a.m.
Arriving early or during off-peak hours can make your voting experience smoother, but even if lines form late in the evening, every voter in line before 9:00 p.m. will still have the right to cast their ballot.
Don’t wait until the last minute — plan your day, show up on time, and make your vote count.