Early &
Mail-in Voting
in Delaware

Warning: 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.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Vote Before Election Day

Vote By Mail Deadlines

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

In-Person Early Voting

Early voting dates and hours vary by county. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

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

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 May 5th.   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.

Request Your Ballot See Your Ballot Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Excuse Needed to Vote Absentee

You need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. Excuses could include being sick or out of town, but it’s best to check with your state directly to see what counts as an excuse.

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.

Use The Right Form of ID

Delaware voters must show valid photo ID when voting in person. Info here on what qualifies. If voting by mail the voter does not need to provide ID, except for some first-time voters if they did not include the required ID information on their voter registration form.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

By Mail

Your postage is prepaid.

By Courier

Return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense)

In Person

  • Local elections office
  • Drop box

Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Click here to track your ballot. Delaware offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted. Your state 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.

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.

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in Delaware

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.


Voting Info for Delaware First Time Voter Info