Register to Vote in Delaware

Register to Vote in Delaware

registration

Are you registered to vote? Do you want to change your party, your address, your name?

How to Register: Delaware provides several convenient ways to register:
 
      • Online, on Delaware's self-service voter portal at ivote.de.gov. 
      • By Mail
      • In person at any one of numerous state office locations... including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), so you can register to vote when you get a Delaware driver's license or state ID card
      • At institutions of higher education when you register for classes.
      • For details, visit the DE Dept of Elections "Voter Registration" web page

Eligibility: To be eligible to vote in the State of Delaware, you must be:

      • United States Citizen
      • Resident of Delaware (proof required)
      • 18 years of age**

**Note: Legislation enacted in 2010 allows Delaware 16 and 17 year olds to register to vote through the Division of Motor Vehicles at the time they first apply for their driver's license. However, they will not be allowed to vote until they turn 18.

   Elibility Exceptions: You may not vote in Delaware if:
      • You have been formally judged mentally incompetent
      • If you are a felon and have not completed your sentence or were convicted of a disqualifying felony and have not been pardoned. Disqualitying felonies include:
          • Murder or manslaughter, (except vehicular homicide);
          • Any felony constituting an offense against public administration involving bribery or improper influence or abuse of office, or any like offense; or
          • Any felony constituting a sexual offense, or any like offense.
      • If unsure of your eligibility, you may contact the State Election Commissioner's office at 302-739-4277 for assistance.

Registration Deadline: 

      • The voter registration deadline for the primary and general elections in Delaware is specified in Delaware code as the fourth Saturday before Election Day. Overseas citizens and military members who won't be voting in person have until the third Monday before Election Day to register.
      • Please refer to the current year Election Calendar on the DE Dept of Elections "Calendars" web page for a list voter registration deadlines prior to each election.
        Note: the deadline for switching party affiliation before a primary election is different (earlier) than the deadline for new voters to register, as explained lower down on this page. 

ID Needed for Voter Registration:

      • Identification is not necessary to register to vote if you use the National Voter Registration Form. In this case, identification will be required when you first vote, instead. However, when registering with the Department of Elections or at an alternate approved location, current identification is required. The identification must include current and valid photo ID that shows full name and address. If that is not available, you may submit a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows full name and address.
      • For voters without a fixed address: Anyone lacking a fixed residence or who is homeless and is otherwise qualified to vote in Delaware may register by completing the proper registration forms and providing two pieces of identification containing his/her name; one of the pieces must include the mailing address on the application, which may be a shelter or agency.

Uniformed or Overseas Voters:  the DE Dept of Elections "Uniformed and Overseas Voters" web page has information for those who are members of the Army, Navy, Air Force Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, family members of the above and United States citizens residing outside of the country.

Updating Your Voter Registration

Updates to your Delaware voter registration can be made online at ivote.de.gov, or by one of the other methods listed under "How to Register" at the top of this page.

To Change your address or name: You can change your address or name at any time before the election or at the polling place.

To Change Your Party Affiliation: You may affiliate with a party when you register to vote. If you do not affiliate with any party, you will be registered as "unaffiliated" and will not be able to vote in a Primary Election.
You may change your political party affiliation (including from "unaffiliated" to a party):
      • Before a Primary Election: anytime except from the last Saturday in May through the date of the Primary.
      • Before a Presidential Primary: anytime except for 59 days before the Presidential Primary through the date of the election.
Other related pages on this website include a Delaware Elections and Voting Overview and DE Voting Details pages.