How to Register, Vote and Track Your Ballot in Delaware

En español | Absentee ballots only are available to certain voters, including those with caregiving responsibilities or an illness. But any voter can cast a ballot during early in-person voting.

The 2022 midterms decided races for the U.S. House of Representatives and the state Legislature. The next statewide election is in 2024, with elections in some cities, including Dover, in 2023.

• Upcoming elections: Visit the Delaware Department of Elections website for information about statewide elections.

• Absentee voting: Absentee ballots are available to registered voters who will be out of town on Election Day or have another acceptable excuse.

• Early in-person voting: Any registered voter can cast a ballot during early in-person voting, which begins at least 10 days before an election.

• Voting at the polls: ID is not required, but it's recommended to bring a valid form, such as a state-issued driver's license, to speed up the process.
  

Laws allowing no-excuse vote-by-mail and same-day voter registration in Delaware were struck down by the state Supreme Court during the 2022 midterms. Another law permitting early in-person voting remains in effect.

Also, redistricting in 2021 changed the boundaries of some state legislative districts.

Register online, by mail or in person:

• Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or check your registration status. Include your driver’s license or state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

• By mail: Print and complete a voter registration form, or call your elections office to request a form. Mail, email or fax the completed form to your county elections office. Include a copy of your Delaware driver’s license, state-issued ID, current utility bill, bank statement or other government document that confirms your name and address.

• In person: Go to your county elections office. Or register during an appointment at a Division of Motor Vehicles office, at the state election commissioner’s office or at any of the other locations listed on the Department of Elections website. Bring a valid photo ID or document that contains your name and address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Yes. Only those who are registered as Democrats or Republicans can vote in their party’s primary.

Absentee ballots are available to people who will be out of town on Election Day or who have an acceptable reason not to vote in person, including a work obligation, an illness, a religious reason or caregiving responsibilities.

Apply online, by mail or in person:

• Online: Use the state’s voter services portal to complete an application.

• By mail: Download, print and complete a ballot application, then mail, fax or email it to your county elections office. You can also pick up an application at your elections office. Or you can call the office and ask them to mail you an application.

• In person: Go to your county elections office and fill out an application.

The deadline to return absentee ballot applications will be announced closer to an election.

Some voters, including people with disabilities and those with round-the-clock caregiving duties, can apply for permanent absentee status while filling out their application and automatically receive an absentee ballot for each election.

Mail your completed ballot to your county elections office. Prepaid postage is provided. Election officials must receive your absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day. 

Use the state’s voter services portal to track the status of your ballot. Call your county elections office with questions.

Delaware’s 2022 elections were the first to offer early in-person voting. Early voting will be held at least 10 days before Election Day, and dates and locations will be announced at least 30 days before the election.

Use the state’s voter services portal to find a polling place near you.

No, but it’s recommended to bring a valid form of ID — like a state-issued driver’s license, a U.S. passport or a signed vehicle registration form — to speed up the process. If you don’t have a valid form of ID, you’ll need to fill out additional paperwork confirming your identity. More information about acceptable forms of ID is available through the Department of Elections website.


Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Nov. 30, 2022, with more information about voting in Delaware. The guide was first published on Aug. 5, 2020.

• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/delaware