Important Dates and Election Info
Here are the key dates for voting in Delaware:
- Deadline to register to vote: Saturday, Oct. 12
- Early voting: Friday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 3
- Deadline to request an absentee ballot: Friday, Nov. 1
- Deadline to return an absentee ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 8 p.m.
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter Registration: The deadline to register to vote is Saturday, Oct. 12. To check your registration status, use the Department of Elections’ online tool.
- Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available to voters who will be out of town on Election Day or have another acceptable reason.
- Early In-Person Voting: All voters can cast their ballot during early in-person voting.
- Voting at the Polls: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your polling place using Delaware’s online lookup tools.
Recent Voting Changes in Delaware
Here are some recent changes that may affect your voting process:
- As of 2023, when you apply for or renew your driver’s license, learner’s permit, or ID card with the Delaware DMV, you are automatically registered to vote.
- In 2022, Delaware began offering early in-person voting. In 2024, a court ruling made early voting unconstitutional, but the decision was later reversed, so early voting is available again for the general election.
How to Register to Vote
Delaware offers automatic voter registration when you apply for or renew your driver’s license, learner’s permit, or ID card at the DMV. You’ll receive a notice by mail confirming your registration as an unaffiliated voter. To declare a party affiliation or decline registration, return the notice with the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided.
To register to vote, applications must be received or postmarked by Saturday, Oct. 12, at 11:59 p.m.
- Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or check your registration status. You’ll need your Delaware driver’s license or state ID number.
- By Mail: Print and complete a voter registration form, then return it by mail, email, or fax to your county elections office. Include a copy of your Delaware driver’s license, state ID, or another document confirming your name and address, such as a utility bill.
- In Person: Register at your county elections office or any location listed on the Department of Elections website. Bring a valid photo ID or document that contains your name and address, like a utility bill or bank statement.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
Delaware does not offer Election Day voter registration.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
You can check your registration status at ivote.de.gov.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Absentee ballots are available to voters who will be out of town on Election Day or who have another acceptable reason for not voting in person.
- Online: Use the state’s voter services portal to complete an application to receive a ballot by mail.
- By Mail, Fax, or Email: Download, print, and complete a ballot application, then mail, fax, or email it to your county elections office.
- In Person: Go to your county elections office to fill out an application.
Applications submitted online, by mail, fax, or email must be received (not just postmarked) by Friday, Nov. 1. You can apply in person until noon on the day before Election Day.
Returning Your Absentee Ballot
You can return your completed absentee ballot by mail or in person to your county elections office. You can also have someone else deliver your ballot for you. Absentee ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Track the status of your ballot using the state’s voter services portal or contact your county elections office with any questions.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
Early voting runs from Friday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 3. Polling hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the first five days and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the last five days. Use Delaware’s online lookup tool to find your polling place.
You’ll be asked to provide an acceptable form of ID when voting, such as a valid photo ID, a utility bill, bank statement, or government document that shows your address.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your polling place using Delaware’s online lookup tool. Check the secretary of state’s website for sample ballots closer to Election Day.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
You’ll be asked to provide proof of identity. Acceptable forms of ID include a Delaware driver’s license, U.S. passport, signed Social Security card, signed vehicle registration, or a signed credit card with a photo.
If you don’t have proof of identity but your name is on the poll list for your Election District, you may complete an Affidavit of Voter Identity form to verify your identity, and you will be allowed to vote.
Voting with a Disability
Delaware provides accessible polling places and voting machines. Voters with disabilities can request assistance from an election officer or someone of their choice, as long as that person is not the voter’s employer or union member.
Absentee voting is available for voters who use accessibility tools. Those who are sick or disabled may request to have an absentee ballot electronically delivered and returned.
For more information, visit the Department of Elections website.
