Primary Election


When is Delaware's Primary?

Who can vote in a primary?

  • Only Democrats can vote in the Democratic Primary.
  • Only Republicans can vote in the Republican Primary.
  • The deadline to change party affiliation before the Primary is the last Friday in May.
  • You may change your party affiliation after the Primary.

What are the three options to vote in Delaware?

Voters have the following three options for voting in Delaware:

Where do I vote?

How can I get my sample ballot?

Why are there Primary Elections?

  • Primary Elections choose candidates for the General Election when more people from the same party file for an office than can be elected.

What offices are up for election?

  • Elected office schedule.
  • Note: the offices on the primary ballot are those for which more people from the same party have filed for an office than can be elected.

Who are the Primary Candidates?

Which political parties are involved?

  • Delaware's major political parties: the Democratic and Republican Parties.

What are the key dates and deadlines?

  • The Party Change Deadline is Friday, May 24, 2024.
  • The deadline to register to vote if you are not yet registered is Saturday, August 17, 2024.
  • The last day to submit a request for a Primary Election absentee ballot to be mailed is Friday, September 6, 2024.
  • The deadline for the Department of Elections to issue absentee ballots for the Primary Election is Monday, September 9, 2024 at noon.
  • Absentee ballots must be received by the Department of Elections by Election Day September 10, 2024 at the close of polls, 8 p.m., in order to count.
  • Primary Election Early Voting Dates & Times:
    • August 28, 2024 – August 31, 2024 & September 3, 2024, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • September 4, 2024 – September 8, 2024, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Please review Delaware's Election Calendar for important dates and deadlines.

How do I get an absentee ballot?

Where is my absentee ballot?

  • Absentee ballots will be sent starting about late July.
  • Check on the status of yours with the State's Voter Portal.
  • Call the Department.

When is the last day to file?

  • The Candidate Filing Deadline is Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at noon.
  • The Candidate Withdrawal Deadline is Friday, July 12, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
  • Key dates and deadlines can be found on the 2024 Election Calendar.

How and where do I file?

  • File by filling out a candidate filing form and paying the filing fee.
  • Statewide candidates file at the State Election Commissioner's Office.
  • Legislative and county candidates file at the Department of Elections for the county where they live.
  • More information is on our Candidate Information Page.

I need help! Who do I contact?

Where do I find election results?