Delaware Voting Guide
A task-focused dashboard for registration, deadlines, ID rules, ballot tools, and official election authority links for the 2026 midterms.
Not an official government website. Election laws and deadlines can change. Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm legally binding details with the official source links on this page.
State Voting Summary
In Delaware, the next general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. To participate, voters must meet the following registration deadlines — online: 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10; mail: Must be postmarked 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10; in-person: 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10.
Early voting schedule: Early voting runs Oct. 22 through Nov. 1 (no voting on Sunday, Oct. 25) at any early voting site in your county. Absentee ballot request deadline: Your county Department of Elections office must receive your request for a mailed absentee ballot by Oct. 30. Ballot return deadline: Your county Department of Elections office must receive your voted absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
ID requirement for Delaware: You'll be asked for ID: a Delaware driver's license or state ID, or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document with your name and address. If you don't have ID, you can sign an affidavit of identity and vote a regular ballot. Always verify these dates and rules directly with the official Delaware election authority before Election Day.
Quick actions
Registration sourcevote.govPolling place sourceelections.delaware.govBallot information sourceelections.delaware.govCandidate information sourceelections.delaware.govVoter Registration
- Online
- 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10
- By mail
- Must be postmarked 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10
- In person
- 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10
- Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, resident of Delaware, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source.Verify at official source
Election Dates and Ballot Timing
General Election
November 3, 2026
Primary Election
September 15, 2026
- Primary
- September 15, 2026
- General
- November 3, 2026
- Early voting
- Early voting runs Oct. 22 through Nov. 1 (no voting on Sunday, Oct. 25) at any early voting site in your county.Source: elections.delaware.gov
- Ballot request
- Your county Department of Elections office must receive your request for a mailed absentee ballot by Oct. 30.Source: elections.delaware.gov
- Ballot return
- Your county Department of Elections office must receive your voted absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.Source: elections.delaware.gov
How to Vote and ID Rules
Accepted ID guidance
You'll be asked for ID: a Delaware driver's license or state ID, or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document with your name and address. If you don't have ID, you can sign an affidavit of identity and vote a regular ballot.
Source: elections.delaware.govMail voting guidance
Delaware requires a reason to vote absentee in the general election, because its Supreme Court struck down no-excuse vote by mail in 2022. Request a ballot on the state's ivote.de.gov portal or send a paper form to your county office.
Source: elections.delaware.govEverything you need to prep and track your absentee ballot securely.
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Ballot and Candidate Tools
Federal races: U.S. House and U.S. Senate.Verified official source
Statewide/local races: Statewide, legislative, judicial, and local offices vary by state and district; confirm your sample ballot with the official election authority.Verify at official source
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the voter registration deadline in Delaware for the 2026 midterms?
Vote.gov lists these registration timing rules for Delaware: online - 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10; by mail - Must be postmarked 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10; in person - 24 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 10. Eligibility rules state: U.S. citizen, resident of Delaware, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source. Check with Delaware Department of Elections for full details.
When does early voting start in Delaware?
Early voting runs Oct. 22 through Nov. 1 (no voting on Sunday, Oct. 25) at any early voting site in your county. Keep in mind the primary is September 15, 2026.
Do I need an ID to vote in Delaware?
You'll be asked for ID: a Delaware driver's license or state ID, or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document with your name and address. If you don't have ID, you can sign an affidavit of identity and vote a regular ballot. Don't forget to check before Election Day.
How do I request an absentee or mail ballot in Delaware?
If voting by mail: Your county Department of Elections office must receive your request for a mailed absentee ballot by Oct. 30. Your county Department of Elections office must receive your voted absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Delaware requires a reason to vote absentee in the general election, because its Supreme Court struck down no-excuse vote by mail in 2022. Request a ballot on the state's ivote.de.gov portal or send a paper form to your county office.