Voter Registration Deadline: 

• Fourth Saturday before Election Day for primary and general elections

• 10 days before Election Day for special elections

• More election information at: https://elections.delaware.gov/index.shtml

• Online voter registration available at: https://ivote.de.gov/VoterView/registrant/newregistrant

• Mail-in registration form available at: https://elections.delaware.gov/pubs/stateform.pdf

Students have a choice about where to register to vote.

Students attending college may register at their campus address or choose to remain registered or register at their permanent or home address.

You may only be registered and vote in one location. If you are registered in one location, you cannot register in another location just because you want to participate in an election in the second location. Generally, voter registration is based on where you identify as your current residence.

Delaware’s voter registration form asks for your Delaware driver’s license or ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Be sure to provide one of these numbers if you have it.

Voters registering for the first time in Delaware and returning their registration application by mail must submit a copy of one of the following with their registration form:

• Current and valid photo identification

• Current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows the registrant's name and address

Voters will be asked to show proof of identity when checking in to vote, but they may sign an affirmation of identity if they do not have accepted proof of identity.

Acceptable IDs together must show the identity and address of the voter and includes:

• Delaware driver's license or State ID

• U. S. passport

• Signed polling place or Social Security card

• Signed vehicle registration

• Signed credit card with photo

• A similar document that identifies the person by photo or signature

Make a plan. Check your voter registration and absentee ballot status, look up your voting site and hours at: ivote.de.gov/voterpoll.aspx

By Mail

Delaware requires voters to meet one of the following excuses to vote absentee:

• The voter is in public service for the United States or State of Delaware, or the spouse or dependent of such voter (applies to Uniformed Service members).

• The voter cannot vote in person due to the nature of his or her business or occupation. Applies to:

1. Persons providing care to a parent, spouse, or child who is living at home and requires constant care

2. Students

3. Incarcerated persons who are eligible to vote

• The voter will be absent from the district while on vacation

• The voter will be unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to the tenets or teachings of his or her religion

• Unable to go the polls on Election Day due to sickness or temporary or permanent disability

You can request an absentee ballot online at: https://ivote.de.gov/VoterView. You can also print an absentee ballot request form at: https://elections.delaware.gov/pubs/pdfs/absentee_ballot_application.pdf.

Applications can be returned by email, fax, or mail and must be received no later than four business days before Election Day. Voters who need to vote an absentee ballot due to disability or illness may request an electronic ballot.

Completed absentee ballots must be returned to your county Department of Elections by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Completed absentee ballots can be returned by mail, in-person, or to a secure ballot box. Find more information regarding voting by mail and secure ballot box locations at https://elections.delaware.gov/services/voter/votebymail/index.shtml.

Early In Person

Beginning on January 1, 2022, any registered one will be able to vote early up to 10 days before Election Day.

Election Day

Voting sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line by the closing time, then you have a right to vote.

Registering to Vote Does Not Affect Your:

Federal Financial Aid

Where you register to vote will not affect federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins or Stafford loans, or your dependency status for FAFSA

Status as a Dependent on Your Parents’ Taxes

Being registered to vote at a different address from your parents does not prevent them from claiming you as a dependent on their taxes

Tuition Status

Being deemed out-of-state for tuition purposes does not prevent you from choosing to register to vote in your campus community

Will registering to vote in Delaware affect my driver’s license or car registration?

As a full-time student in Delaware, you may have to make these changes regardless of whether you vote in Delaware. For more information, you may wish to contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

Fair Elections Center and Campus Vote Project intend the information contained herein to be used only as a general guide. This document should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a licensed Delaware legal professional.

Last updated June 2021