Delaware

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Delaware by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the Department of Elections website
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Department of Elections website, picking up a paper form at your local elections office, or calling the Department of Elections to receive a form through the mail. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 24 days before the election.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or at your polling place on election day. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Delaware varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Bring a copy of a current and valid photo identification or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address. If you do not provide required identification documentation, you will need to provide it the first time you vote in a federal election. Also be prepared to provide a valid Delaware Driver's License number, Delaware Identification Card number. If you have neither, please provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Registering to vote by mail

Your completed voter registration form must contain your state issued driver's license number or nonoperating identification number. If you do not have a driver's license or nonoperating identification, you must include the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a nonoperating identification or a social security number, please write 'NONE' on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.

Registering to vote online

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Bring a copy of a current and valid photo identification or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address. If you do not provide required identification documentation, you will need to provide it the first time you vote in a federal election. Also be prepared to provide a valid Delaware Driver's License number, Delaware Identification Card number. If you have neither, please provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

Your completed voter registration form must contain your state issued driver's license number or nonoperating identification number. If you do not have a driver's license or nonoperating identification, you must include the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a nonoperating identification or a social security number, please write 'NONE' on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.

Pre-registering to vote online

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Delaware can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Delaware’s voter registration page on their Department of Elections website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Delaware, you need to be registered to vote at least 24 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

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Can I register to vote on Election Day?

No, Delaware does not have same-day voter registration. This means you cannot register to vote on Election Day. You must register at least 24 days before an election in order to vote.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

No, in Delaware, you cannot register to vote during early voting. To cast your vote in an election, make sure you’re registered at least 24 days in advance. 

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Delaware residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Are a citizen of the United States
• Are a resident of Delaware (Delaware is your home)
• Will be 18 years old on or before the date of the next General Election.
• Not be adjudged mentally incompetent. Adjudged mentally incompetent refers to a specific finding in a judicial guardianship or equivalent proceeding, based on clear and convincing evidence that the individual has a severe cognitive impairment which precludes exercise of basic voting judgment
• Not be convicted of a felony and have not fully discharged your sentence* Note: *Payment of any fees, fines, costs, or restitution which a felony offender may be required to pay as part of the criminal sanctions imposed on such offender is NOT considered in determining discharge of sentence for purposes of eligibility to register to vote.
• Not be convicted of a disqualifying** felony and have not been pardoned. ** List of Disqualifying Felonies: 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 under the laws of any state or local jurisdiction, or of the United States, or of the District of Columbia; or any felony constituting a sexual offense, or any like offense under the laws of any state or local jurisdiction or of the United States or of the District of Columbia.

In Delaware, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Delaware gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but leaving the question blank could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.