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Persons Who Register by MailNew Procedures |
The Help America Vote Act of 2002 mandates that persons who register by mail starting January 1, 2003, must show proof of identity before being permitted to vote the first time in a Federal Election. This only applies to persons who are not registered to vote within the state. Persons who are already registered to vote within Delaware and who are updating their address, changing their name and/or changing their political party affiliation by mail are not effected.
Persons who are registering by mail may satisfy the ID requirement by submitting a copy of suitable ID. They may also satisfy the requirement by providing information that would allow the Department to verify their identity through state records. The applicant can take advantage of this provision by writing their Drivers License Number in the REMARKS block of the Voter Registration Application. The Department will use that information to verify the person's identity and address. The Act provides that the applicant may also provide the last four (4) digits of their Social Security Number. Since the Department does not, at this time, have access to records from other agencies that contain a Social Security Number, it would be unable to use those records to positively identify people.
Suitable identification includes:
- A copy of a current and valid photo ID that shows your full name.
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
- Your Drivers License number if the information on the DMV data base is the same as is on the voter registration application.
- Your last four digits of your Social Security Number if the information on the application can be verified against another State Data Base that contains your Social Security Number. NOTE: The Department does not currently have the capability to access any state Data Base in a manner where your Social Security Number is shown.
The Department of Elections for New Castle County is sending an information sheet with additional information to persons who request that an application be sent to them.
Contact the Department at (302).577.3464 during normal business hours for further information.
