Absentee Voting for Delaware Citizens
What is absentee voting?
- The way a person who cannot go to a Polling Place on Election Day can vote.
- A person can vote absentee by mail or at the Department's office.
Who can vote by absentee ballot?
A person who:
- Is registered to vote;
- Fills out and signs an absentee request form; and
- Cannot vote on Election Day because of a reason on the request form.
How can I get an absentee request form?
- Use Delaware's online system to complete a form
- Call your county Department and ask them to mail one to you;
- Get one at your county Department; or
- Print the one you need from one of the links below.
Will my county Department mail an absentee ballot to me?
Yes, if:
- Your county Department gets your request form at least 4 days before the election;
- You filled out and signed your request form; and
- You are registered to vote.
Can I vote at my county Department's office?
Yes, if you go to your County Department:
- Between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on normal business days; or
- Before 12 Noon the day before the election;
- During extended hours as posted on the respective Department's Web Site.
- Show proof of identity and address;
- Fill out and sign an request form; and
- Are registered to vote.
How do I return my voted ballot?
- Mail it to your county Department;
- Take it to your county Department; or
- Have someone take it to your county Department.
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 your county Department.
- Color in the ovals. 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.
- Have your request form notarized if your reason is in Section B.
- 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?
Use the Contacts page to find how to:
- Call, e-mail or fax your county Department; or
- Visit your county Department.
How do I find the status of my ballot?
- Call, e-mail or fax your county Department;
- Visit your county Department; or
- Check the list on your county Department's Web Site.