Voting in Delaware

Get more information on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting elections in Delaware.

Upcoming Elections and Deadlines in Delaware

Statewide & Federal
Local

Voter Registration In Delaware

Who Can Register In Delaware

To register to vote in Delaware, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of Delaware
- Be at least 18 years old, or turning 18 by the general election
- Not have 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.
- Not have been convicted of a felony or have completed your sentence
- Not have been convicted of a disqualifying felony or have been convicted and pardoned

You must register to vote at least by the fourth Saturday before the general or primary election you wish to vote in or at least 10 days before the special election you wish to vote in.

Delaware Election Day Registration

Delaware does not offer Election Day registration, so be sure to submit your voter registration before the deadline.

Pre-registration

You can pre-register to vote in Delaware when you are 16 years old.

Voting Rights Restoration

Delaware does restore the right to vote upon completion of sentence, with the exception of certain felonies that require a pardon in order to vote, such as murder or manslaughter, sexual offenses, and offenses against public administration involving bribery or improper influence or abuse of office.

If you have a past conviction, learn more about your eligibility to vote here.

Voting In Delaware

Where To Vote In Delaware

You can search for your polling place here.

Vote-by-mail & Absentee

Delaware has two types of mail voting: absentee voting, and vote-by-mail. Voters can only vote absentee in Delaware with an approved excuse. During COVID-19, all voters can vote absentee. All voters are eligible to vote by mail in Delaware during any election.

To request an absentee ballot in Delaware, you must complete an application. You can do this online if you have a Delaware driver’s license or state ID, or complete a PDF application and email, fax, or mail it to the county elections office. The paper version of the application must include your original, non-digital signature.

To request a vote by mail ballot in Delaware, you must complete an application. You can do this online if you have a Delaware driver’s license or state ID, or complete a PDF application and email, fax, or mail it to the county elections office. The paper version of the application must include your original, non-digital signature.

Click here to track your Delaware absentee ballot.

To return your Delaware absentee or vote by mail ballot, return it via mail or in person at your county election office.

Early Voting In Delaware

Delaware offers in-person absentee voting. Voters can only vote absentee in-person with an approved excuse. The start of in-person absentee voting varies by county but ends in every county at 12:00 PM on the day before Election Day.

Primary Elections In Delaware

Delaware has closed primaries. Voters registered with a particular party may only vote in that party's primary. 17-year-olds can vote in the primary election if they will be 18 by the corresponding general election.

Voter ID In Delaware

Voter ID Requirements

ID is not required to vote in Delaware, but you will be asked for it at the polls. Valid forms of ID include:
- Delaware Drivers License or State ID
- U. S. Passport
- Signed Polling Place or Social Security Card
- Signed vehicle registration
- Signed credit card with photo
- A similar document that identifies the person by photo or signature

If you go to your polling place without an approved form of ID, you can sign an affidavit affirming your identity and then vote normally.

Additional Delaware Resources

Your State Election Official

Delaware Election Commissioner
Anthony J. Albence
https://elections.delaware.gov/index.shtml
Phone number: 302.739.4277

Overseas & Military Voting

Voting As A Student

Voting For People With Disabilities

Learn more about voting in Delaware if you have a disability.

Voting For People With Convictions

If you have a past conviction, learn more about your eligibility to vote from Restore Your Vote.