Tennessee Secretary of State Confirms 7 p.m. Poll Closing Time

The Tennessee Secretary of State's Office issued a warning on November 3 regarding text messages that contain incorrect information about when voting locations will close. The office stated that all polls in the state close at 7 p.m. Central Time and 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Any text message listing a different closing time is inaccurate, according to state officials.

The warning asks voters to rely on election officials and verified sources for polling hours. This guidance comes after election officials spent recent weeks addressing misinformation and voter concerns involving ballot markings, voting machines, and polling procedures. The state wants to ensure Tennesseans do not miss their chance to cast a ballot because of false information.

Voters who are already in line when polls close must stay in line. These individuals will still be allowed to vote, even if the 7 p.m. Central Time deadline has passed. The Secretary of State's Division of Elections emphasized this rule to help prevent confusion at the end of the voting period.

Voters with questions or problems at the polls can contact the Tennessee Secretary of State's Division of Elections at 877-850-4959. The office encouraged voters having trouble at a polling location to call for assistance rather than leaving the line. This phone number serves as the direct point of contact for resolving on-site voting issues on Election Day.