Upcoming Elections
2008 General Election: 11/4/08
Polling Place Hours: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Click here for a Delaware Frequently Asked Questions document created by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights under Law and its pro bono law firm partners.
Voter Registration Information
Click here for a Delaware Voter Registration Guide created by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and its pro bono law firm partners.
Registration Deadlines
The last date to register to vote is the fourth Saturday before the election
2008 General Election: October 11, 2008
Identification Required for Registration
You must provide either a valid Delaware driver's license or Delaware identification number when you register. If you have neither, you should provide a social security number.
If you are registering by mail, and it is the first time you have registered to vote in Delaware, you must submit a copy of one of the following with your application:
- A current and valid photo identification
- A current utility bill
- A current bank statement
- A current government check
- A current paycheck
- Another current government document that shows your name and address
If you do not provide one of the above forms of identification when you register, you must provide one the first time you vote. If you do not, you will only be allowed to vote by provisional ballot.
How to Check Registration
Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE
Contact your County Elections Official
Voting Information
Identification Required to Vote
- A current, valid photo ID
- A current and valid photo identification
- A current utility bill
- A current bank statement
- A current government check
- A current paycheck
- Another current government document that shows your name and address
How to Find Your Polling Place
Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE
Visit the following website: http://pollingplace.delaware.gov/
Absentee Voting
Click here to visit GoVoteAbsentee.org, a resource for absentee voters.
If you are a registered voter and you are unable to go to your regular polling place on Election Day, you may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot.
Rules and Deadlines:
- You can qualify to vote by Absentee Ballot if any of the following applies to you:
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- Work: The nature of your work prevents you from going to your polling place.
- Public Service: Your service to the United States or to the State of Delaware prevents you from going to your polling place. Spouses or dependents of the person in service also qualify. (Public service includes military, diplomatic, etc.)
- Religion: The tenets or teaching of your religion prevent you from going to your polling place.
- Vacation: You are on vacation on Election Day.
- Illness: You are sick.
- Disability: You are permanently or temporarily disabled.
- Incarcerated: You are incarcerated. (Not for a felony)
- To receive an Absentee Ballot, you must submit a completed Affidavit for Absentee Ballot to the Department of Elections in your County. You may obtain an Affidavit for the Department of Elections for your County or from the Commissioner of Elections website at: http://www.elections.delaware.gov/services/voter/absenteeballot.shtml
- The last day the Departments of Elections is required to mail an absentee ballot is October 31, 2008.
- All in-office absentee voting ends on November 3, 2008.
- All Absentee Ballots must be received by the Department of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on November 4, 2008.
Early Voting
You may vote early by Absentee Ballot in person at the Department of Elections for your County or by mail. To vote in person, contact the Department of Elections for your County or by mail 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.
Information For People who have Moved or Changed Addresses
If you are registered to vote in Delaware but move to a new location within the state, you may apply to transfer your voter registration to your new address. You can complete a voter registration application and give it to the Department of Elections in your new county.
If you have not transferred your voter registration and you go to the polling place for your old residence, the election officers there will complete an eligibility affidavit, put it in an envelope that notes the location and address of your new, correct polling place, give it to you, and direct you to the new polling place. You will then be permitted to vote at your new polling place after showing proof of identity, proof of address, and signing a blank signature card.
If you did not transfer your voter registration and you go directly to the polling place for your new residence, you will be required to affirm your new address in writing by completing and signing a similar eligibility affidavit. You will then be allowed to vote at your new polling place.
Information for People with Felony Convictions
If you have been convicted of a disqualifying felony (murder, sexual offenses, or crimes against public administration involving bribery, improper influence, or abuse of office), you cannot vote in Delaware.
If you have been convicted of any other felony, you are eligible to register to vote after:
- You have paid all fines and completed any prison sentence stemming from the conviction; and
- At least 5 years have passed since you were convicted of the felony.
For more information, go to the Commissioner of Elections website, or click here to download a Delaware Election Protection manual created by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights under Law and its pro bono law firm partners.
