Key Takeaways
- To register to vote in Delaware, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a permanent resident.
- You can complete your voter registration in Delaware online, by mail, or in person at designated locations.
- Delaware allows early voting 10 days before the election, with the last day to vote early being the Sunday before Election Day.
- When registering, you can select a political party; otherwise, you will be registered as unaffiliated and cannot vote in primaries.
- Keep your registration up to date, and be sure to bring the required ID when you vote.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
If you want to have a say in local, state, and national elections, completing your voter registration in Delaware is the essential first step. The process is straightforward, and the state gives you several easy ways to get it done. Here’s everything you need to know to register and show up ready to vote.
Who Qualifies for Voter Registration in Delaware
Before you fill out your application, make sure you meet Delaware’s eligibility requirements. To register, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be 18 years old by the date of the next General Election
- Be a permanent resident of Delaware
- Not have been convicted of a disqualifying felony. These include murder and manslaughter (except vehicular homicide), sexual offenses, or crimes against public administration involving bribery, improper influence, or abuse of office
- Not have been adjudged mentally incompetent by a court
If you have a felony conviction that does not fall into those disqualifying categories, you are eligible to vote as long as you have served your full sentence, including parole.
Three Ways To Complete Your Voter Registration in Delaware
Delaware makes it easy to register through three convenient options.
Register Online
The fastest way to handle your Delaware voter registration is online at ivote.de.gov. You’ll need a valid Delaware driver’s license or state ID to complete the process digitally. The voter registration deadline falls on the fourth Saturday before a Primary or General Election.
Register By Mail
Download Delaware’s voter registration form from the Department of Elections website, fill it out completely, and mail it to your county’s Department of Elections office. The mail-in registration deadline requires your form to be postmarked by the fourth Saturday before Election Day. Send it early to give yourself plenty of time.
Register In Person
You can walk in and register at several locations across the state. Options include any of the Department of Elections offices, Division of Motor Vehicle offices when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or state ID, and institutions of higher education when you register for classes. Many government public assistance offices also accept voter registration applications.
Choosing a Political Party
When you complete your voter registration in Delaware, you have the option to affiliate with a political party. This matters because Delaware is a closed-primary state, meaning you must register as a Democrat or Republican to vote in a primary election. If you skip the party selection, the state registers you as unaffiliated, and you won’t be able to participate in primary elections. You can change your party affiliation at any time outside of the closed period leading up to a primary.
Early Voting in Delaware
Delaware offers early voting so you don’t have to wait until Election Day. Early voting opens 10 days before the election, and the last day to vote early is the Sunday before Election Day and no reason is required. Find your nearest early voting location at ivote.de.gov.
Absentee Voting in Delaware
Delaware requires a qualifying reason to vote absentee. You can request an absentee ballot if you are in public service and unable to get to the polls, have a job or caregiving responsibility that prevents you from voting in person, are incarcerated but otherwise eligible, are sick or physically disabled, will be on vacation, or have a religious reason for not being able to attend the polls. Request your absentee ballot early. The deadline to request one by mail is four days before the election.
What To Bring When You Vote
Delaware requires voters to present non-photo identification at the polls. Voters who don’t have an accepted ID may sign an affidavit attesting to their identity instead. Accepted forms of ID include items like a signed Social Security card, polling place card, or vehicle registration. Check the Delaware Department of Elections website for the current full list before heading to the polls.
Already registered but recently moved or changed your name? You can update your address or name anytime before an election or directly at your polling place on Election Day. Keep your registration current so you always vote at the correct polling location.
Update Your Registration When Things Change
College Students and Voter Registration in Delaware
If you attend college in Delaware, you can use your campus address as your registration address if that’s where you consider home. Just remember to update your voter registration any time you move to a new dorm or off-campus address to make sure you vote in the right district.
Getting your voter registration in Delaware done takes just a few minutes, and the state gives you online, mail, and in-person options to make it happen. Since Delaware does not offer same-day registration, don’t wait. Register early, confirm your polling place, and make your vote count in every election.