Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:26 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:05 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Delaware offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Delaware by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your county election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
What key changes should voters know about?
Due to a court ruling on October 7, 2022, the following requirements are currently in place:
- Voters must now have an excuse to vote by absentee ballot.
- The deadline to register to vote in an election is now the 4th Saturday before a Primary or General Election. Election Day Registration is no longer available in Delaware.
Learn more by visiting the Delaware State Election Commissioner's website or contacting your local election office.
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Who can register to vote?
You may register to vote in Delaware if you:
- are a citizen of the United States
- are a resident of Delaware; (Delaware is your home)
- will be 18 years old on or before the date of the next general election
- have NOT been adjudged mentally incompetent (adjudged mentally incompetent refers to a specific finding in a judicial guardianship or equivalent proceeding, based on clear and convincing evidence that the individual has a severe cognitive impairment which precludes exercise of basic voting judgment)
- have NOT been convicted of a felony, unless you have completed your sentence
- have NOT been convicted of a disqualifying felony, or you have been convicted of a disqualifying felony and you have been pardoned
- List of disqualifying felonies include: murder or manslaughter (except vehicular homicide); any felony constituting an offense against public administration involving bribery or improper influence or abuse of office, or any like offense under the laws of any state or local jurisdiction, or of the United States, or of the District of Columbia; or any felony constituting a sexual offense, or any like offense under the laws of any state or local jurisdiction or of the United States or of the District of Columbia
Can I register to vote online?
- Delaware offers online voter registration.
- You should know: you need either a Delaware driver's license number, a State ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number to use Delaware's online voter registration system.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Your completed voter registration form must contain your Delaware driver's license number or Delaware State ID number. If you do not have a driver's license or Delaware State ID, you must include the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: Delaware requires that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in. Please note that only registered Democrats and Republicans may vote in Presidential Primary or State Primary Elections in Delaware.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your county election office
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in Delaware and are mailing a registration application, you must submit with this application proof of identification. If you do not provide required identification documentation, you must provide it the first time you vote in a federal election. Proof of identification includes:
- A copy of a current and valid photo identification
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address
- More information here.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Delaware does not offer registration on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can also register to vote in person. Contact your county election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Delaware Department of Elections's website or contacting your county election office.
How do I get help registering to vote?
If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your county election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your county election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your county election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your county election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your county election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your county election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Delaware. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Delaware's voter registration lookup tool.
Which election office should I contact?
- In Delaware, your county election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Department of Elections oversees elections and election administration in Delaware. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your county election office.