Frequently asked questions

The information on this page is for folks in New Castle County. While the processes and procedures mention on this page generally apply to all Delaware counties, you would deal with the Department of Elections for the appropriate county if you are in Kent or Sussex Counties.

What are the qualifications to register to vote in Delaware?

To register to vote in Delaware you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Be domiciled in the State of Delaware (Delaware is your home);
- Be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next General Election;
- Not be a convicted felon (unless you have been pardoned or cleared to register to vote in accordance with Delaware Code, Title 15); and
- Not have been adjudged mentally incompetent.

How can I register to vote or update my voter registration record?

To register to vote in your home state or update your voter registration record, go to your state's WEB site and follow the instructions for registering to vote.
To register to vote in Delaware or to update your voter registration record:
- Use the State's online registration tool and mail the signed application to the appropriate Department of Elections;
- Visit the Commissioner of Elections office or one of the State's Departments of Elections offices;
- Complete a voter registration application when receiving services at:
  - A Division of Motor Vehicles office;
  - A Department of Health and Social Services Service Center; or
  - A Department of Labor office
- Download, complete and mail a Federal Mail Application; or
- Phone a Department of Elections office and request that an application be mailed to you.

When can I register to vote?

You can register to vote anytime prior to a general or primary election EXCEPT during the period from the 4th Sunday prior to the day of the election through the day of the election.
Voter registration closes 10 days prior to a Special Election and reopens the day following the election.
You may update your voter registration record, except for your political party affiliation, at any time.
The Department holds applications received during a closed period and processes them as soon as legally possible.
For citizens of other states, registration deadlines are different than those in Delaware and are usually 30 days prior to the day of the election.

How can I change my political party affiliation?

You may change your political party affiliation by submitting a voter registration application to the Department of Elections anytime EXCEPT:
- From March 31 through the day of the Primary Election in an election year;
- From November 1 in the year before a Presidential Election through the day of the Presidential Primary Election;
- From the 4th Sunday prior to a General Election through the day of the election; and
- From the 10th day prior to a Special Election through the day of the election.

What do I need to do if I get married/divorced/change my name?

If you have legally changed your name, you should update the change of name on your voter registration record by submitting a voter registration application with your updated name in sufficient time BEFORE the day of the election for the Department of Elections to process your application.
If you didn't update your record before Election Day, go to your polling place. You will have to complete a form to update your name before you will be permitted to vote.

What do I need to do if I move?

You should change your address on your voter registration record by submitting a voter registration application with your new address in sufficient time BEFORE the day of the election for the Department of Elections to process your application.
If you didn't change your address, go to the polling place for Election District for your new address. You must complete a form to update your address before you will be permitted to vote.

How do I cancel my voter registration?

You may cancel your voter registration by sending a letter stating your wish to cancel your voter registration that includes the reason, your date of birth, your social security number, the address at which you are registered to vote and your signature. The Board of Elections for New Castle County will act on your request at the first Board meeting after the Department receives the letter. Sample letter and instructions.

When are polls open on election day?

Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for general, special and primary elections.

Where do I vote?

The Department of Elections will send you a Polling Place Card with the name and address of the building where you vote.
You may check on the location before an election by:
- Using the State's Polling Place Locator;
- Calling the Department of Elections at 302.577.3464 and following the prompts; or
- Calling the Department of Elections at 302.577.3464 and asking the receptionist;
The State is developing additional tools to assist you. Check this site or the Commissioner of Elections site for other ways to find your polling place.

Do I have to show ID before I vote?

No, but, you will be asked to show ID. If you do not show ID you must complete an Affirmation of Voter Identity before you will be permitted to vote.
Hint: showing ID facilitates the process of checking you in and reduces mistakes.

Do I have to show my Polling Place Card in order to vote?

No, but you will be asked to show ID. Your Polling Place Card is a form of ID, but if it is not current you may be asked for proof of address.

Why do they announce my name before I vote?

First, because it is required by Delaware Code, Title 15.
Second, so everyone in the polling place knows who is voting in case they want to challenge your right to vote.

Why do they announce my party affiliation before I vote?

Poll workers only announce party affiliations at primary elections.
First, because it is required by Delaware Code, Title 15.
Second, so everyone in the polling place knows who is voting in case they want to challenge your right to vote.

Can I take my children with me to vote?

Yes. You may take children age 17 and younger with you when voting.

Can I use my cell phone in the polling place?

No. This is to avoid unnecessary noise so that poll workers are not distracted and voters can make their choices without distraction.

How long can I be in the voting booth?

Three (3) minutes. If a poll worker thinks you are taking too long, he/she may ask you if you need assistance. They may allow you additional time to complete voting depending on the situation.

Can I wear clothes, buttons, badges, etc. advocating a candidate when I am in the polling place?

No. This is considered electioneering and is forbidden by Delaware Code, Title 15.

Do you provide information about candidates in the polling place?

No, that would be considered electioneering. People can find information about candidates in the newspaper, on the internet, from political party headquarters, from the candidates, and from other sources.

How do I make a registration appeal to Superior Court?

Call the Department of Elections at 577-3464 and ask for assistance.

What is a provisional ballot?

A provisional ballot is a last chance ballot. It IS NOT a ballot of convenience.
If you are not on the Poll List and the poll workers cannot confirm that you are eligible to vote in their Election District, you may vote a provisional ballot.
If you registered to vote but are at the wrong Election District, the Election Officers will direct you to the correct Election District.
Your provisional ballot will not be counted if you are not registered to vote, you are at the wrong election district, your affidavit is substantially incomplete, or you vote the wrong party's ballot in a Primary Election.

Do I have to talk to all the people standing outside handing out literature or taking exit polls?

How do I vote by absentee ballot?

You can vote by absentee ballot if you are unable to go to your polling place on election day for any of the reasons stated on the Absentee Affidavit. You can vote in person at the Department of Elections for your county or by mail.
- If voting in person, ballots must be available at the Department. Ballots are usually available about 30 days before to a primary election and 40 days before a General Election. Call the Department of Elections at 302.577.3464 to make sure ballots are available before going to vote in person.
- If voting by mail:
  - Submit an Absentee Affidavit as soon as possible before the election;
  - Vote the ballot and mail it back as soon as you receive it; and
  - If you don't get your ballot in a reasonable time after your request and ballots are available, call the Department of Elections at 302.577.3464.

When can I vote by absentee ballot?

Ballots are usually available 30 days before a primary election, 40 days before a general election and 10 days before a special election.
Ballots cannot be mailed 4 days or less before an election.
You can vote in person up until 12 Noon the day before an election.

Last Updated: Thursday, 13-Mar-2008 08:30:03 EDT