Delaware Citizens
What is absentee voting?
- The way a person can vote who cannot go to a Polling Place on Election Day for a reason specified in the Delaware Code.
- A person can vote absentee by mail or at the Department's office in their county.
Who can vote by absentee ballot?
A person who:
- Is registered to vote;
- Fills out and signs an Absentee Statement (Application);
- Cannot vote on Election Day because of the reason marked on the application.
What are the deadlines?
How can I get an absentee statement (application)?
- Use Delaware's online system to complete a form
- Print the Absentee Statement (Application)
- Call the Department's office in your county and ask them to mail one to you; or
- Get one at the Department's office in his/her county
Will the Department's office in my county mail an absentee ballot to me?
Yes, if:
- You are registered to vote.
- The Department's office in your county gets your application at least 4 days before the election; and
- You filled out and signed your application
How do I get my ballot electronically?
- Those who are sick or temporarily or permanently physically disabled may receive and return their ballot securely via email
Can I vote at the Department's office in my county?
Yes, if you:
- Are registered to vote.
- Go to the Department's office in your county:
- Between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on normal business days; or
- Before 12 Noon the day before the election;
- Show proof of identity and address;
- Fill out and sign an application
How do I vote my ballot and return my voted ballot?
- Vote your ballot
- Mail it to the Department's office in your county;
- Take it to the Department's office in your county; or
- Have someone take it to the Department's office in your county
What are the top 10 things I need to know about absentee voting?
- Get your ballot early. Do not wait until the last minute.
- Mail your voted ballot back as soon as you can.
- If you spoil or miss-mark your ballot contact the Department's office in your county.
- Fill in the ovals with blue or black ink. Do not use any other mark.
- Sign and date the ballot envelope.
- Only Democrats can vote in a Democratic Primary and Republicans in a Republican Primary.
- Only vote for one candidate for each office. (NOTE: You may vote for three candidates for Wilmington City Council-at-Large).
- Do not write on the ballot except to make your selections or correct a mistake.
- The Department counts almost all absentee ballots returned on time. A few ballots may not be counted for cause.
What if I have a problem or question?
- Call, e-mail or fax the Department's office in your county; or
- Visit the Department's office in your county
How do I find the status of my ballot?
- Check the status using Delaware's online voter portal;
- Call, e-mail or fax the Department's office in your county; or;
- Visit the Department's office in your county
What if I have requested an absentee ballot and now want to vote at my polling place on Election Day?
- If prior to Election Day, please contact the Elections office in your county and request to cancel your absentee ballot.
- When you arrive at your polling place inform the poll worker that you had requested an absentee ballot
- The poll worker will look you up on the pollbook and check your voting status:
- If you requested an absentee ballot, but have not returned it, a poll worker will contact the Department to cancel your absentee ballot and you will be permitted to vote at the polling place.
- If your ballot had already been returned to the Department and is being prepared to be counted, you will not be permitted to vote at the polling place.
