Election Night in the DMV: When Polls Close, When Results Arrive and Where to Check Them
Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, culminates a period of voting across Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia, with polls closing at different times and results beginning to emerge throughout the evening. It is important to note that all results reported on election night are unofficial.
When Polls Close in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia
In Maryland, Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Howard County Board of Elections. For voters in the District of Columbia, vote centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., as stated by the D.C. Board of Elections. Virginia’s polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If You Are in Line at Closing Time
Officials in Maryland have stated that voters in line at 8 p.m. may still cast their ballots, and the time required for counting will depend on the length of the line, according to The Baltimore Banner. In Virginia, voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote, as per Virginia Code section 24.2-603. The D.C. Board of Elections indicated in June that results would post after voters in line at 8 p.m. had cast their ballots.
When Results Usually Appear
In the District of Columbia, initial results began coming in around 10:49 p.m. in June after all voting centers closed, according to DC News Now. In 2024, the first general election results for D.C. were reported at 9:58 p.m., approximately two hours after polls closed, according to “[AP Decision Notes for D.C.](https://www.lanacion.com.ar/usa/ap-decision-notes-what-to-expect-in-washington-dc-on-election-day-nid30102026/)”. For Maryland in 2024, the Associated Press first reported results 22 minutes after polls closed, with the last update of that night coming at 2 a.m. with about 82% of votes counted, according to “[AP Decision Notes for Maryland](https://www.lanacion.com.ar/usa/ap-decision-notes-what-to-expect-in-maryland-on-election-day-nid30102026/)”. Maryland election officials release early voting totals and mail-in ballots already counted after polls close, followed by in-person Election Day results as they become available.
Why Numbers Keep Changing
Election night results are unofficial. Mail-in ballots and provisional ballots continue to be counted after Election Day. The election is not certified for at least ten days, as noted by the St. Mary’s County Board of Elections. In Maryland in 2024, the vote count reached 90% on November 11, six days after Election Day, according to the “[AP Decision Notes for Maryland](https://www.lanacion.com.ar/usa/ap-decision-notes-what-to-expect-in-maryland-on-election-day-nid30102026/)”.
Where to Follow Official Results
Official results will be available after local boards finish counting and certify the election. Voters can check their respective election boards for the most up-to-date information. For Maryland, resources can be found at the “[Maryland State Board of Elections](https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/)”. The “[D.C. Board of Elections](https://dcboe.org/elections/2026-elections)” provides information for the District of Columbia. In Virginia, the “[Virginia Department of Elections](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/)” is the official source.
What’s Next
Counting of mail-in and provisional ballots will continue after Election Day. Local election boards will certify the final results. Voters should check with their local board of elections for specific deadlines and procedures.
