How to register to vote and where to cast your ballot

Tuesday, Nov. 5, is Election Day in Delaware. If you want to vote, you must be registered. 

Here’s what you need to know about registering and where to cast your ballot.

Registration: The registration deadline for the general election is 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. There are three basic criteria for registering: You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Delaware, and 18 years old on or before Nov. 5. For full registration details, look here. 

You may register online at https://ivote.de.gov, by downloading and submitting a form to the Department of Elections, or in person at Department of Elections offices in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown. Offices will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register, you must present acceptable identification, such as a Delaware driver’s license or identification card, or a current bank statement, utility bill, government check or other government document that shows your name and Delaware address.

Early voting: Registered voters may cast their ballots early at any of the available locations in their county of residence. A list of early voting sites is available here. Early voting hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 25-29 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. 

Voting on Election Day: Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may vote only at the polling place designated for your election district. The Department of Elections has mailed polling place cards to registered voters. A list of polling places is available here. You may also find your polling place and check your registration information at the state’s voter portal.

Absentee ballots: You may vote by absentee ballot if you are unable to appear at your assigned polling place on Election Day for a reason permitted by state law. You may apply for an absentee ballot by completing and submitting an application on the state’s voter portal, downloading and printing the application and sending it to the Elections Department, or calling your county elections office to have an application mailed to you. The Elections Department recommends that you request your absentee ballot at least one week before Election Day. Absentee ballots must be returned to your county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. They cannot be returned to polling places or early voting locations.

Other information: All key dates and deadlines are available on the state’s 2024 election calendar.