In Tennessee, polls close at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (7:00 p.m. Central Time) on Election Day for statewide general and primary elections.

Standard Closing Time

For most statewide elections in Tennessee (like the November 3, 2026 general election), polls close at:

  • 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (in counties in the Eastern Time Zone)
  • 7:00 p.m. Central Time (in counties in the Central Time Zone)

This means that, regardless of time zone, all polls in the state are required to close at the same moment in local time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT.

Opening Hours (Vary by County)

While closing time is statewide, opening hours can differ by county:

  • Most counties open polls at 8:00 a.m. local time
  • Some counties may open earlier (e.g., 7:00 a.m.) or later, depending on local election commission rules

For example, Blount County (Eastern Time) lists polls open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

What This Means for 2026

For the 2026 elections in Tennessee (May 5 primary, August 6 primary, and November 3 general election):

  • Polls will open around 8:00 a.m. local time in most counties
  • Polls will close at 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Central on Election Day

Important Notes

  • If you are in line by closing time, you have the right to vote even after the polls officially close.
  • Exact hours and your specific polling place are set by your county election commission, so it’s best to confirm with your local board or the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.

Bottom line: In Tennessee, polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern / 7 p.m. Central on Election Day, but always double-check your county’s exact hours and location before heading to vote.