Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
US midterm polls close from midnight in Germany, with results taking time
The US midterm elections take place on November 3 across the 50 states.
Voters are choosing members of Congress, and the results will show how much support President Donald Trump and his government have.
If Democrats win majorities in both chambers of Congress, that could affect the president’s power and ability to act.
Because the states span several time zones, the first polling places close at midnight German time, while the last close in Hawaii and Alaska between 6 and 7 a.m.
Early projections are based on surveys and initial vote counts, so they are not final results.
Mail ballots, which Democrats are more likely to cast early, are counted later and could change the apparent balance.
Official results may take weeks to confirm, and recounts or legal challenges could delay results in close races.
The newly elected Congress is due to take office on January 3, 2027.
US midterm elections are taking place on November 3, 2026, with polls closing at different times across the country.
The first polls close in parts of Indiana and Kentucky at midnight Central European Time.
Polls in Hawaii close at 6 a.m. Central European Time, while Alaska’s close between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Election-night results will be preliminary and may change as more votes, including mail ballots, are counted.
Official results may take weeks to be confirmed, and close races could lead to recounts or legal challenges.
- Who
- Voters across the United States are choosing candidates in thousands of races.
- What
- The 2026 US midterm elections are being held. Results may take time to settle.
- When
- November 3, 2026. The first polls close at midnight Central European Time.
- Where
- Across the United States.
- Why
- The midterms are a measure of public sentiment toward the president and his government, and the results can affect the balance of power in Congress.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
US voters cast ballots in the midterm elections.
The first polls close in the easternmost regions of Indiana and Kentucky.
Polls close in Hawaii, with Alaska’s polls closing between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Local or state election officials may take weeks to confirm official results.
The current members of Congress’ terms end at noon, and the newly elected Congress then meets.
- Election date
- November 3, 2026
- First polls to close
- Parts of Indiana and Kentucky
- First closing time in Germany
- Midnight Central European Time
- Last polls to close
- Hawaii at 6 a.m.; Alaska between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Central European Time
- Official result confirmation
- May take weeks
- Congressional terms end
- January 3, 2027, at noon