Delaware Voting Guide

Voting is a fundamental right, and understanding the process ensures your voice is heard. This Delaware voter guide simplifies the process by breaking down the key steps. We will walk you through voter eligibility rules, registration methods, and your options for casting a ballot, so you can feel confident on Election Day.

Am I Eligible to Vote in Delaware?

To vote in Delaware, you must meet four main requirements:

• A U.S. citizen
• A resident of Delaware
• At least 18 years old on or before Election Day
• A registered voter

Those who have been deemed mentally incompetent by the courts cannot register and vote.

Can I Vote If I Have a Felony Conviction?

The State of Delaware, like many states, prohibits people currently serving a felony sentence from voting. Once you complete your sentence, you can ask election officials to reinstate your voter registration.

However, people who have committed certain disqualifying felony crimes are permanently barred from voting. Disqualifying crimes include:

• Murder or manslaughter (not vehicular homicide)
• Felony offense against public administration (for example, bribery, improper influence, abuse of office)
• Felony sexual offense

People who commit these crimes can only vote if the Governor pardons them. If you have questions about your eligibility and whether your prior crime was a disqualifying felony, consider working with a local criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate options like expungement or clemency.

How to Register to Vote in Delaware

You must be registered to vote before you can cast a ballot. Delaware offers several convenient ways to register:

• In person
• Online
• At the DMV
• By mail

Delaware Voter Registration Deadlines

The deadline to register is the same regardless of how you submit your application. You must register at least 24 days before Election Day.

Can I Register If I Am Experiencing Homelessness?

Yes, you can register and vote even if you don’t have a permanent address. You can use a description of where you sleep at night or an organization’s mailing address. For example, if you are staying at a shelter, you can give the name and address of that shelter when you register.

How Can I Cast My Vote in Delaware?

Delaware gives voters three main ways to cast their ballots: in person on Election Day, early in person, or by absentee ballot if they qualify.

Voting in Person on Election Day

The traditional way to vote is to go to your assigned polling place on Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Early Voting

Delaware offers in-person early voting for at least 10 days before an election, ending the Sunday before Election Day. This allows you to visit a designated early voting site and cast your ballot on a voting machine, just as you would on Election Day.

You can find early voting locations and hours on the state’s Department of Elections website.

Voting by Absentee Ballot

If you cannot make it to the polling place, you may be able to vote absentee. You must submit an Affidavit for Absentee Ballot and provide an approved reason. Acceptable reasons include:

• Temporarily disabled or sick
• Military service
• Business or occupation
• Providing care for a dependent person
• School
• Incarcerated for a crime other than a felony or disqualifying crime
• Away from the polling place on Election Day
• Religion
• Temporarily residing outside the U.S.

You can complete the application online, get one from your county Department of Elections office, or print and mail the form. Election officials must receive your application at least four days before the election.

What to Expect on Election Day

Delaware’s polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You must vote at your assigned location. Visit the state’s Department of Elections Office to look up your polling location. You can also call the local Board of Elections to find nearby voting locations.

What Identification Do I Need to Bring to Vote in Delaware?

All Delaware voters must provide proof of identity at the polls, but it does not have to be a photo ID. Valid forms of identification include:

• A Delaware driver’s license
• A state ID card
• A passport
• Social Security card
• Vehicle registration
• Signed credit card with a photo
• Other forms of identification that include a photo or signature

Your Rights at the Polling Place

You have federally protected rights when you vote. These include:

• The right to vote if you are in line when the polls close.
• The right to a secret ballot, free from observation.
• The right to get a new ballot if you make a mistake before casting it.
• The right to get help with voting, including language assistance or help from a person of your choice (as long as they are not your employer or union agent).
• The right to vote free from intimidation or harassment.

What Is Not Allowed at the Polling Place

Certain activities are illegal at polling places to ensure a fair and secure election.

• Electioneering: You cannot wear clothing, buttons, or hats that advocate for a specific candidate or political party. Campaigning is not allowed within 50 feet of the polling place entrance.
• Intimidation: It is illegal for any person to harass, threaten, or try to intimidate you to influence your vote.
• Disruption: Any activity that disrupts the voting process is prohibited.

What If There Is a Problem at the Polls?

Election officials work hard to ensure that Election Day runs smoothly. But problems can arise. Below, we cover a few scenarios where voters may encounter challenges at the polls, and what you can do about them.

What If There’s an Issue With My Registration?

If there’s an issue with your voter registration, ask the election officials for a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is used when your eligibility is in question. This could be because your name isn’t on the voter roll or records show you already requested an absentee ballot.

After you vote, election officials will investigate to confirm your eligibility. This option is only available for federal elections, such as the presidential election or voting for the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives.

What If My Polling Place Is Not Accessible?

Delaware is committed to ensuring that every citizen can vote. It provides accessible polling places, accessible voting machines, assistance at the polls upon request, and access to absentee ballots.

Voters with disabilities who need special assistance should inform election officers at their polling station. They can ask a poll worker for help or bring someone. If your polling place is inaccessible, contact the Department of Elections or call (302) 577-3464.

How Do I Report Voting Issues?

If you see something suspicious at the polling place, report it as soon as possible. Report complaints to the Department of Elections in your county if you:

• Believe you witnessed a violation of voting law or voter fraud
• Experienced harassment or intimidation outside or inside your polling place
• Could not vote at the polls or could not get a provisional ballot
• Did not get the assistance you needed to vote

You can also report election violations to the U.S. Department of Justice at 1-800-253-3931.

How Can a Delaware Civil Rights Lawyer Help?

If you believe someone has violated your voting rights, contact a Delaware civil rights lawyer. They can help explain the voting process in Delaware and protect your civil rights. An attorney can also provide election information for local primary and general elections and answer other questions about Delaware voting laws.