US Midterms: Polling Hours, Counting Delays, and the Path to a New Congress in January 2027

As millions of Americans head to the polls on November 3, 2026, the path to final results involves staggered closing times across time zones and complex counting procedures that may delay official projections. While networks will attempt early forecasts based on exit polls, the newly elected members of Congress will not officially begin their work until January 3, 2027.

The 2026 US midterm elections are underway with the majority of eligible voters casting their ballots in person on November 3. While early voting and mail-in ballot submissions have been active for weeks, polling stations across the country open in the early morning hours, starting with Vermont at 5:00 AM local time (11:00 AM CET). Closing times vary by state, generally falling between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM local time. Due to time zone differences, the voting process concludes progressively from east to west; polls in Kentucky and Indiana close around midnight CET, followed by Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina at 1:00 AM CET. The process continues through Texas, Michigan, and Kansas at 2:00 AM CET, California at 5:00 AM CET, and finally Alaska at 7:00 AM CET.

Vote counting begins immediately after polls close, but the order of processing varies by state. In many jurisdictions, ballots cast on election day are counted first, followed by mail-in ballots. This sequence can lead to significant shifts in the reported totals as the count progresses, particularly if one party's supporters disproportionately utilize mail voting. Because there is no central election authority in the United States, the responsibility for counting votes and certifying results lies with local authorities and individual states.

Consequently, reliable final results regarding majority control of the future Congress may not be available immediately on election night. Preliminary figures are subject to change as the counting process continues, a timeline that could extend over days or even weeks depending on state-specific certification deadlines. Despite this uncertainty, major US television networks will generate projections on election night based on exit polls and initial counts. However, in closely contested races, broadcasters may declare results "too close to call," potentially leaving the outcome of specific districts or states unresolved for several days.

The current term for members of Congress is scheduled to end at noon on January 3, 2027. Immediately following this deadline, the newly elected parliament will convene. The first official act of the new House of Representatives will be the election of a Speaker. Mike Johnson, a Republican and close ally of Donald Trump, currently holds this position.

Sources: Tagesschau.

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