Voter Registration in Delaware
To register to vote in Delaware, state residents must complete an established application process. Voter registration procedures vary slightly by state, so residents can benefit from understanding each step to exercising their voting rights in Delaware. Various application methods are available to residents. Having this accessibility allows applicants to utilize the procedure that is most convenient to their lifestyle.
Once voting rights are granted, residents can enjoy the ability to choose the officials whose views most align with their own. Participation in state, local and federal government elections give voters the satisfaction of knowing their voices are more likely to be heard. When granted a voter registration card, prospective voters will need to abide by certain voting laws and act responsibly when participating in elections. Learn more about the registration process and voting laws by reviewing the sections below.
Who can register to vote in Delaware?
Applicants for voter registration in Delaware must meet certain requirements to be eligible to vote. Otherwise, their registration will be denied, and if they attempt to vote anyway, they may face legal consequences.
Eligibility standards are established on a federal level for all residents, but states can impose certain other restrictions on voters. To register to vote in Delaware, applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens.
- Be Delaware residents.
- Be age 18 or older on the upcoming election date.
Furthermore, the applicants cannot vote if they are:
- Convicted of a disqualifying felony for a crime involving moral turpitude.
- Considered mentally incompetent by a court.
Delaware Voter Registration Deadline
The deadlines for DE voter registration vary each year. These dates depend on the type of election being held, whether a resident is a military or out-of-state voter and more. For example, the deadlines for primary elections differ from the deadlines for regular elections. Voters should consult the State Election Commissioner for further details.
How to Register to Vote in Delaware
In Delaware, residents are provided with a variety of opportunities to register to vote before important elections. Voter requests can be submitted online, by mail or in person at a participating state agency.
For all methods, applicants must disclose personal details that ensure eligibility standards are met. Some of the information that applicants must provide online or on a paper application form includes:
- Full names.
- Phone numbers.
- Party affiliations.
- Dates of birth.
Online voter requests can be submitted through the state registration system. Relevant personal information should appear on the form, which applicants can turn in for review when all details are stated accurately and completely.
Online applications will be assessed for approval or denial in the state. Additionally, a paper voter application can be mailed to a local Department’s Office. Documents verifying residency and citizenship status must also be included.
Residents can visit government offices to turn in voter registration applications. Furthermore, local DMV locations provide services to drivers who would like to become legal voters. Registration cards are issued by mail to residents who meet requirements for voting in Delaware.
These cards will feature the voter’s name, date of birth, political party, polling place and more. When going to vote, residents should be sure to bring the card along with some form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card.
Early Voting in Delaware
Those wondering how to register to vote early should be aware that this service is not available in Delaware. However, other states in the U.S., along with the District of Columbia (Washington DC), offer early voting to their residents. In these situations, voters can submit a ballot several days before a general election date.
Delaware Voter Registration for Active Duty Military and Out-of-State Residents
Military and overseas residents can complete absentee ballots in order to vote even if they currently reside out of the state. Various federal services can be utilized to ensure an absentee ballot is sent within a deadline. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) provides absentee forms to active armed forces members and out-of-state voters.
The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) is available to military members. Otherwise, voters can utilize a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). If a regular absentee ballot does not reach the voter in time, FWAB should be used.
Delaware Voter Registration for Absentee Voting
Registered voter DE residents who cannot make it to the polls are able to participate in absentee voting. The following voters are able to claim absentee status:
- Active armed forces service members
- Residents on vacation during regular election hours
- Disabled or ill residents
- Primary, election and referendum officials working during voting hours
Voter Registration Cards in Delaware
After submitting voter applications in the state, residents must wait for a response from government officials. During this time, residents may wonder, “Am I registered to vote in Delaware yet?” Once a voter card is granted, this certificate backs up your eligibility for participation in elections.
On a card, personal voter information and precinct addresses are provided. Residents must vote within their precinct boundaries. However, a voter registration change of address may alter an assigned precinct location.
How to Change Your Voter Registration in Delaware
The regular voter application must be utilized in order to change the information on a voter card. To change your voter registration address, name or party affiliation, you simply need to resubmit the original document you filled out in the first place.
Applications can be sent via mail, online or in person. If you change your address on your registration card, remember to also change your address on your driver’s license, as well as on other important DMV documents, including your car registration and even your certificate of title, if necessary.
How to Replace a Lost Delaware Voter Registration Card
Replacing a lost DE voter card involves the same procedure as changing registration information. Simply resubmit a regular voter form to obtain a new card. Without a valid registration certificate, applicants will be left asking, “Where do I vote?” in an upcoming election.