MSNBC continually aired graphics that purported to show “POLL CLOSING[]” times for each state. But in states that cross over time zones, the times listed in the graphics reflected the western-most time zone in the state, in which polls close an hour later than the rest of the state. Thus, people watching MSNBC in the eastern portion of some states could be left with the impression that local polls would be open for an hour after they actually close.
MSNBC continually airs graphic featuring inaccurate poll closing times for multiple states
Published
During MSNBC Live's Election Day coverage, MSNBC continually aired graphics that purported to show “POLL CLOSING[]” times for each state. But in states that cross over time zones, the times listed in the graphics reflected the western-most time zone in the state, in which polls close an hour later than the rest of the state. Thus, people watching MSNBC in the eastern portion of some states could be left with the impression that local polls would be open for an hour after they actually close.
For example, according to the Florida Department of State's "2008 Voter Registration and Voting Guide," “Polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. local time.” Since Florida is split between the Eastern and Central time zones, polls close at 7 p.m. ET in some parts of the state and at 8 p.m. ET in other parts, not at 8 p.m. ET throughout the state, as the MSNBC graphic indicated. Likewise, according to the Michigan Secretary of State, polls in the state are “open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m,” but since the state is in two time zones, the majority of the state polls close at 8 p.m. ET, and the remainder close at 9 p.m. ET. But the MSNBC graphic suggested that all polls in the state close at 9 p.m. ET.
Moreover, MSNBC aired the graphic even after NBC News political director Chuck Todd acknowledged the differences in poll closing times in Florida. During the noon ET hour of MSNBC Live, Todd said, “And a reminder, when you see that we have polls closing at 8 o'clock in Florida, that doesn't mean polls are open until 8 o'clock in the Eastern time zone of Florida. So if you're in South Florida or Central Florida, your polls close at 7. It's in the panhandle that they close in 8 Eastern.” Later in the hour, Todd said:
TODD: And a little guide to viewers. You see this ticker below talking about poll closing time. The time that you see is the last time that polls close in a state. There are a lot of states with split time zone, like Florida. We'll say that the polls close at 8 o'clock. Well, they close at 7 local. Eight o'clock in the Central time with Pensacola, but 7 p.m. Eastern in most of the rest of the state. That's the same with Indiana. It's 6 to 6, local. We encourage you, if you're confused about when your polls close, to go and check with your local polling officials, check your local polling places. They will obviously have the exact information you need. We want to tell our viewers when we'll start seeing vote counts, and that's why we have those final times up on our screen. So, if you need to know when your polls close, check with your local election official.
Despite Todd's acknowledgment that the graphics were inaccurate and misleading, MSNBC continued to air them unaltered.
Other states in multiple time zones include Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, and Texas.
According to MSNBC's graphic, “POLL CLOSINGS” at 7:00 p.m. ET include Indiana and Kentucky.
According to MSNBC's graphic, “POLL CLOSINGS” at 8:00 p.m. ET include Florida.
According to MSNBC's graphic, “POLL CLOSINGS” at 9:00 p.m. ET include Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.
According to MSNBC's graphic, “POLL CLOSINGS” at 11:00 p.m. ET include Oregon and Idaho
From the November 4 broadcast of MSNBC Live:
TODD: And a reminder, when you see that we have polls closing at 8 o'clock in Florida, that doesn't mean polls are open until 8 o'clock in the Eastern time zone of Florida. So, if you're in South Florida or Central Florida, your polls close at 7. It's in the panhandle that they close at 8 Eastern.
[...]
TODD: And a little guide to viewers. You see this ticker below talking about poll closing time. The time that you see is the last time that polls close in a state. There are a lot of states with split time zone, like Florida. We'll say that the polls close at 8 o'clock. Well, they close at 7 local. Eight o'clock in the Central time with Pensacola, but 7 p.m. Eastern in most of the rest of the state. That's the same with Indiana. It's 6 to 6, local. We encourage you, if you're confused about when your polls close, to go and check with your local polling officials, check your local polling places. They will obviously have the exact information you need. We want to tell our viewers when we'll start seeing vote counts, and that's why we have those final times up on our screen. So, if you need to know when your polls close, check with your local election official.