Primary Election Timing Across Six States

Six states—Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, South Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin—are holding primary elections on Tuesday. Each state’s election board will begin tabulating votes as soon as polls close, but the timing of unofficial and certified results varies according to local rules and the volume of early-vote ballots.

New York Times

In Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, South Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin, the first polls close at 7 p.m. Eastern time (local times range from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Election officials in Alabama note that after the 7 p.m. close, early-vote ballots will be counted first, followed by Election-Day ballots. Connecticut’s municipalities start reporting results immediately after polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern, and officials expect the statewide picture to emerge late on Tuesday. Minnesota’s polls close at 8 p.m. local time (9 p.m. Eastern); officials anticipate unofficial results by late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. South Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin follow similar schedules, with results expected to be posted shortly after poll closure.

New York Times

Alabama’s relatively strict early-voting policy means fewer early ballots than in many other states, which may speed the initial count. In the other five states, early-vote totals are added to Election-Day tallies once polling ends. Election boards in each jurisdiction prioritize the rapid release of unofficial totals while maintaining the integrity of the count.

New York Times

Although unofficial results will appear within hours of poll closure, official certification will not occur until each state’s statutory deadline later in August. Until those deadlines pass, the posted numbers remain provisional, and final, certified outcomes will be released by the respective state election authorities.

New York Times