So, you’re standing in the middle of a workday or maybe rushing home from a long shift, and you realize you still need to cast your vote. The panic starts to set in. You’ve got the sticker in your mind, but the clock is ticking. Kinda stressful, right? Honestly, New York has some of the most consistent—yet occasionally confusing—voting hours in the country. If you are asking when do polls close ny, the short, sweet answer for Election Day is 9:00 PM.
But it’s not just about that one number. There is a whole rhythm to how New York handles its elections, from the early bird specials to the last-minute mail-in scrambles. Whether you are voting in a high-stakes General Election or a hyper-local Primary, knowing the exact cutoff can be the difference between your voice being heard and showing up to a locked door.
The Magic Number: 9:00 PM
On Election Day, the rules are pretty rigid across the state. Whether you’re in a sleepy hamlet upstate in Steuben County or smack in the middle of Times Square, the polls stay open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This applies to the upcoming June 23, 2026 Primary Election and the November 3, 2026 General Election.
Here is the thing most people forget: If you are in line by 9:00 PM, you must be allowed to vote. Don’t let a long line scare you off at 8:55 PM. As long as you’ve physically joined the queue before that clock strikes nine, stay put. Poll workers are legally required to let every person in that line cast their ballot. I’ve seen lines wrap around city blocks in Brooklyn, and the last voter didn't leave until well past 11:00 PM. It’s your right. Don’t budge.
When Do Polls Close NY for Early Voting?
Early voting is a different beast entirely. It’s basically the "choose your own adventure" of democracy. In New York, early voting typically starts 10 days before the big day and ends the Sunday before the election. For the 2026 General Election, that window runs from October 24 through November 1.
The tricky part? The hours aren't the same every day.
On a Saturday, your site might close at 5:00 PM.
On a Tuesday, they might stay open until 8:00 PM to help the after-work crowd.
Each county board of elections sets these schedules, though they have to meet certain minimum state requirements.
For the Special Elections happening on February 3, 2026 (specifically for Senate Districts 47 and 61, and Assembly Districts 36 and 74), the early voting hours are a patchwork. Some days it's 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while others shift from noon to 8:00 PM. You absolutely have to check your specific county board’s website or the NYC 311 portal to make sure you aren't showing up to a dark building.
Mail-In and Absentee Deadlines
If you’re ditching the poll site entirely, "closing time" means something else. It means the postmark.
For your vote to count via mail, it must be postmarked by Election Day. For 2026, that’s June 23 for the Primary and November 3 for the General. If you’re dropping it off in person at a Board of Elections office or a poll site, you still have until—you guessed it—9:00 PM.
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Some folks think they can just slide the ballot into a mailbox at 10:00 PM on election night. Bad idea. If the mail hasn't been collected and postmarked with that day’s date, your ballot is essentially a piece of scratch paper. It won't be counted.
The Special Case: Village Elections
Just to keep you on your toes, New York likes to throw a curveball with Village Elections. These often happen in March. For the village elections on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the polls often don't open until Noon and close at 9:00 PM.
Wait. Noon?
Yep. While the 9:00 PM closing time is the standard "North Star" for New York, the opening times for these smaller, local contests can vary wildly. Always verify for the specific "hyper-local" races, as they don't always follow the 6:00 AM statewide start.
Quick Summary of 2026 Dates
The 2026 calendar is already set. Save these.
- February 3, 2026: Special Elections (Selected Districts). Polls: 6 AM - 9 PM.
- June 23, 2026: Primary Election. Polls: 6 AM - 9 PM.
- November 3, 2026: General Election. Polls: 6 AM - 9 PM.
What to Bring and What to Expect
New York doesn't usually require a photo ID if you’ve voted in the state before. However, if it's your first time or your registration didn't include your social security number or driver's license info, bring something. A utility bill, a bank statement, or a government check works fine.
When you get there, you'll sign the book, get your paper ballot, and head to a privacy booth. You’ll use a pen to fill in the circles—no "hanging chads" here. Then, you feed it into the scanner yourself. Once that scanner zips it through, you're done.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to ensure your vote counts without the stress, here is what you should do right now:
- Check your registration status at the New York State Board of Elections website. Do it today. The deadline to register for the General Election is October 24, 2026.
- Locate your specific poll site. Your early voting site and your Election Day site are often different. Use the NY Voter Lookup tool to find exactly where you need to be.
- Request your mail-in ballot early. If you want to vote by mail, the Board of Elections must receive your application at least 10 days before the election. For the General Election, that’s October 24.
- Add a calendar alert for 8:00 PM. Even though polls close at 9:00 PM, giving yourself that hour buffer accounts for traffic, long lines, or the accidental trip to the wrong school gymnasium.
Knowing when do polls close ny is the first step, but showing up is the one that actually matters. Set your reminders now so the 2026 cycle doesn't catch you off guard.