Tennessee polls generally close at 8 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Central on Election Day, with all polls in the state closing at the same moment across time zones.

Standard closing time

  • Tennessee uses a synchronized closing time so that polling places in Eastern and Central time zones shut down simultaneously.
  • This means if it is 8 p.m. in the Eastern part of the state, it is 7 p.m. in the Central part, and polls close then in both regions.

Important caveats

  • Local election offices can clarify exact hours for specific elections, so it is always wise to confirm with your county election commission or the Tennessee Secretary of State before you go.
  • If you are in line at closing time, you are typically allowed to remain in line and vote, so do not leave if the line looks long right at closing.