Voting in Delaware

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Election Dates

11/05/2024
General Election Date
10/12/2024
Voter Registration Deadline (online, in-person, by mail - postmarked)

How to Vote in Delaware

Learn about all the options to vote in Delaware to make a plan to vote that works for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Delaware Board of Elections Phone Number: (866) 276-2353

Delaware Board of Elections Website

Having trouble at the polls?

Call or text: 1-866-OUR-VOTE

Register to Vote in Delaware

Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!

Am I Registered?

Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.

Vote By Mail

Request and track

Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Delaware.

Vote By Mail Deadlines

Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
Deadline to Return Ballot (Received By)

Excuse required to vote by mail.

How Vote By Mail Works in Delaware

Voting by mail is a two step process.

Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. If you are unable to vote for a qualifying reason, such as being out of town, a caregiver, or ill, you may request an absentee ballot. You must have an excuse to qualify to vote with an absentee ballot. If you qualify, you’ll need to apply for an absentee ballot no later than the day before Election Day at 12 p.m. noon.

 

Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.

  • Return in person to your county election office or designated drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
  • Or return by mail to your county election office so that it is received by Election Day. We recommend mailing your ballot at least two weeks before as the post office is not always reliable. The best intentions or postmark will not matter if your ballot is received after Election Day - your ballot will be tossed.

Click Here to See Your Ballot

Where to Sign Your Ballot

Remember to sign your return ballot.

After completing your ballot, put it into the return envelope provided by the state. Sign and date the self-administered oath on the return envelope.

Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

If you return your ballot by mail, your postage is prepaid. You can also return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense).

You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, or drop box.

Can Someone Else Return Your Ballot For You?

Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you.

Track Your Ballot

Track your ballot by clicking here.

Haven't used your ballot?

If you decide to vote in person rather than use your mail-in or absentee ballot, take the following steps:

  • If you decide before Election Day, contact your county elections office and let them know you will vote in person. They will cancel your absentee ballot in their system. On Election Day, simply go to your polling place and vote.
  • If you decide on Election Day, go to your polling place and let the poll workers know you have a mail-in or absentee ballot. The poll workers will contact the county elections office, cancel your ballot, and then you can vote in person.

Opportunities to Fix Challenges to Your Ballot

Delaware does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.

Voter ID

Do Voters Need ID?

Voters in Delaware must show ID at the polls to vote. Valid forms of identification include:

  • Passport
  • Signed polling place card, if the card is not current voter must show proof of address
  • Signed social security card
  • Delaware driver’s license
  • Delaware state ID
  • Delaware car registration with your voting address
  • Current lease
  • Signed credit card with photo
  • A similar document that identifies the voter by photo or signature (includes out of state driver’s license or state ID)

 

Voter ID in Delaware

Find Your Ballot

Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.

Primaries

Automatic Registration

Your state automatically registers people to vote at their address of record when they interact with certain state agencies. If you have moved, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.

Election Day Registration

You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.

Early Voting

Early Voting Dates

Dates and hours vary by county. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

You can vote early in Delaware

Early voting locations and times can be found here. You may register to vote in person at early voting locations.

Preregister

Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.

In Delaware, you can preregister to vote if you are 16. Register to vote today!

Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!

You can vote in the Delaware primaries if you are 17 by the next election.