• Finding your polling place as we get closer to Election Day, you will be able to find your polling place, use VOTE411.
• ID needed for voting: Identification is required ONLY if you have registered using the National Voter Registration Form and thus did not supply it originally.
• In that case, the voter must present current identification which includes a current and valid photo ID that shows full name and address. If a photo ID cannot be produced, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government documents that show full name and address will be accepted. Identification is also required the first time you vote in person or with an in-person absentee ballot.

Absentee Ballot Process

To vote absentee, you must submit an affidavit to request a ballot and swear or affirm that you are unable to go to your regular polling place during the election. There are separate affidavits for each type of election and for each county. The affidavit can be obtained by phoning or writing your County Board of Elections or your county's affidavit may be downloaded from the Delaware Election Commission site.

Early Voting

You may vote by absentee ballot in-person at your County Board of Elections. Contact the Board of Elections office to determine when absentee ballots will be available and the hours for voting. Be sure to take proof of identity with you when you go to vote. In-office voting ends on the Monday before Tuesday election days, November 5 for the 2012 General Election. Find a link to your County Department of Elections above.

Polling Place Hours

The polling place hours are 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. If you are in line waiting to vote at closing time, you may cast your vote even if it is done after 8:00 pm.

Provisional Voting

If you are a registered voter in your election district but your name does not appear on the official poll list, you may be able to vote by updating the record of a name or address change or by provisional ballot. Provisional ballots cover only federal offices such as President, Vice President, US Senate, and US Congress. 

Voting Machines

The voting system used in Delaware is Direct Recording Electronic (DRE). This is the newest kind of system in use in the U.S. 

For Voters with Special Needs

All people qualified and desiring to vote must be given the opportunity to do so. It is the goal of the State of Delaware to provide all citizens with any necessary assistance to make that happen: Accessible polling places, Accessible voting machines, Voting by Absentee Ballot, Assistance at any point as a means of accommodation. For details, go to the Department of Elections for Delaware.

Administrative Complaints

If you experience a problem with voting systems standards, provisional voting or any other voting problem covered by Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) and wish to register a formal complaint, there is a specific process to do so. Find details at the Department of Elections for Delaware.

Candidates Services

Find information for candidates for public office in Delaware including how to register to be a candidate, voter statistics, and past election reports as well as online Delaware state law resources about candidate activities and guidelines. 

For information about voting and elections not covered above: Contact your county Department of Elections. See the links above.

Town and city charters determine voter qualifications for municipal elections. Some allow property owners who are not full-time residents to vote and to serve on the local council or commission. Most municipal elections are held separately from general elections in the state.

To vote in city or town elections you must register with the local jurisdiction. The Delaware League of Local Governments provides links to websites of local governments in Delaware. You can find contact information there.

To vote in city elections that are placed on the state general election ballot a person must be registered with the state before voting.

The state has established requirements for the conduct of municipal elections. There is a separate affidavit to apply for an absentee ballot in municipal elections. Contact your County Department of Elections. See the links below.

To vote in school board elections a person must be a resident in the school district holding the election and be at least 18 years of age. Advance registration is not necessary. You may vote by absentee ballot if you cannot be present on election day. Contact your county Department of Elections for information. See the links above.