Delaware Voting Guide
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Steven J. Ellison, Esq. | Last reviewed April 23, 2024
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Welcome to FindLaw's Delaware Voter Guide. We’ll discuss voter eligibility, voter registration deadlines, early voting, and unique accommodations for Delaware voters. We’ll explain what to do if you see illegal activity occurring at the Delaware polling places and provide essential information regarding the state’s voting rights and registration requirements. Learn everything you need to know about voting in Delaware.
Delaware's voting laws have changed recently. On October 7, 2022, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled that the state's vote-by-mail system and same-day registration statutes were unconstitutional. It’s essential for voters in Delaware to review the state’s election process.
Who is eligible to vote in Delaware?
In Delaware, you must meet specific requirements to participate in local elections.
These requirements include:
- You are a U.S. citizen
- You are a resident of Delaware
- You’re at least 18 years old on Election Day
- You are a registered voter
To confirm your voter eligibility, visit elections.delaware.gov.
You can register and vote if you are homeless or lack a permanent address. Election officials will demand that you provide a mailing address or a description of where you sleep at night. For example, if you are staying at a shelter, you can give the name and address of the shelter when you register to vote.
In Delaware, you can't register and vote if the courts have deemed you mentally incompetent in a court proceeding. The State of Delaware also prohibits felons from voting. Once you complete your sentence, you can ask election officials to reinstate your voter registration.
Delaware also disallows people who have committed certain disqualifying felony crimes from ever voting again. 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.
Call the Office of the State Election Commissioner at (302) 739-4277 if you have questions about your eligibility and whether your prior crime was a disqualifying felony.
Where Do I Vote?
Delaware’s polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for general, special, and primary elections. 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.
How To Register in Delaware
There are several ways to register to vote in Delaware. This includes registering:
In Person
You can register to vote at the State Election Commissioner's Office and other government offices.
At the DMV
Register at the DMV when applying for or renewing your Driver's License or State ID Card.
By Mail
Fill out the form and send it to the department office in your county along with a copy of your ID.
Delaware Voting Resources
Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.
