How to vote in Delaware

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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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.

Summary

Delaware offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who qualify. You can also vote in person. Delaware offers early voting.

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

How do I vote in person?

Key Changes

Due to a court ruling on October 7, the deadline to register to vote in the November 8 election is now October 15. Election Day Registration is no longer available in Delaware. (Learn more by visiting the Delaware Department of Elections's website or contacting your county election office.)

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Delaware's site.

Can I vote early?

  • Yes, Delaware does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

What do I need to bring?

You will be asked to show ID to confirm your identity and residency to vote in Delaware.

Acceptable forms include (but are not limited to):
  • Delaware driver's license or state ID
  • US passport
  • Social Security Card
  • polling place card
  • Signed vehicle registration
  • Signed credit card with photo
  • A similar document that identifies the person by photo or signature

Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be asked to sign an affidavit of affirmation that you are the person listed in the pollbook.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Delaware’s site.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Delaware does offer early voting.
  • You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

      What do I need to bring?

      You will be asked to show ID to confirm your identity and residency to vote in Delaware.

      Acceptable forms include (but are not limited to):
      • Delaware driver's license or state ID
      • US passport
      • Social Security Card
      • polling place card
      • Signed vehicle registration
      • Signed credit card with photo
      • A similar document that identifies the person by photo or signature

      Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be asked to sign an affidavit of affirmation that you are the person listed in the pollbook.

      How do I vote by absentee ballot?

      Key Changes

      Due to a court ruling on October 7, voters must now have an excuse to vote by absentee ballot. (Learn more by visiting the Delaware Department of Elections's website or contacting your county election office.)

      How do I vote by absentee ballot?

      Delaware offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who qualify. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by absentee ballot on Delaware’s site.

      How do I get my ballot?

      Fill out the absentee ballot application and mail or return it in person to your county election office. You can also submit an absentee ballot application online using the iVote voter portal.

      What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

      If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your county election office.

      How do I return my ballot?

      What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

      What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.

      How can I check the status of my ballot?

      You can check the status of your ballot on Delaware’s site.

      Additional option for voters in Delaware

      Those who are sick or temporarily or permanently physically disabled may receive and return their ballot securely via email. For more information on this option, contact your county election office.

      Can I register to vote on Election Day?

      Delaware does not offer registration on Election Day.

      How do I see what's on my ballot?

      View your sample ballot on the Delaware Department of Elections's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

      How do I get help registering to vote?

      TurboVote can help you start the absentee ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!

      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:
      1. 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.
      2. Send the application to your county election office.
      3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
      4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
      5. 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.

      How do I contact my state election office?

      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.