The 2024 presidential election is coming – as if you couldn’t tell from all the political banter and ads on television.
Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, one thing holds true, you need to make sure you are registered to vote before heading to the polls.
Here’s some basic information to help you prepare for Election Day from the Delaware Department of Elections.
When is Election Day 2024?
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Is there early voting in Delaware?
Yes, early voting for the general election begins Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 3.
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When is the deadline to register to vote in Delaware?
The voter registration deadline is the fourth Saturday before the general election. The deadline for the general election is Saturday, Oct. 12.
Who can register to vote in Delaware?
You must be a resident of Delaware, a United States citizen and be 18 on or before the election.
How to register to vote in Delaware
There are multiple ways to register to vote in Delaware:
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You may register to vote online at https://ivote.de.gov.
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You may register to vote by downloading and printing a form from the Department of Elections website,https://de.gov/vrapp. Complete your application, sign your name, and submit your completed form to theDepartment of Elections.
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You may call the Department of Elections Office in your County to have a voter registration application mailed to you to complete. Completed voter registration applications for new registrants must be postmarked by Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, for the primary election and Saturday, Oct. 12 for the general election, to make the voter registration deadline.
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You may register in person at a Department of Elections office during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday, August 17, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please bring ID showing your name and current Delaware address.
You can also register at a voter registration event hosted by a Delaware Organized Voter Registration (OVR) Program group of trained voter registrars. Military and overseas citizens can fill out an application using Delaware’s Online Registration System or at the FVAP WEB Site and then mail, email or fax the application to the Department’s Office for your county.
If you are registering to vote in a primary, you must declare a party affiliation. If you do not pick a party, you will be registered as no party.
Where are the Department of Elections offices in Delaware?
There are four elections offices in Delaware:
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Department of Elections, Office of the State Election Commissioner: 905 S Governors Ave, Suite 170, Dover.
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Department of Elections, New Castle County Office: Carvel State Office Building, 820 N French St., Suite 400, Wilmington.
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Department of Elections, Kent County Office: 100 Enterprise Place, Suite 5, Dover.
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Department of Elections, Sussex County Office: 119 N Race Street, Georgetown.
Where else can I register to vote in Delaware?
You can also register to vote at certain government offices:
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Division of Motor Vehicle offices when applying for, renewing or updating a Driver’s License or State ID Card
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State Service Centers (Department of Health and Social Services) when applying for services
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Department of Labor: Division of Training and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
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WIC Program offices when applying for services or assistance
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Armed Forces Recruitment Offices when applying for services
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Some Social Security offices
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Institutions of higher education when you register for classes
You can also change your voter registration record at any of these locations, election offices or polling places.
What ID should I bring when registering to vote?
You need to provide one of the following with your application:
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Delaware driver’s license or state ID card
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Copy of a current utility bill that shows your name and address
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Copy of bank statement that shows your name and address
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Copy of government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address
Who cannot register to vote in Delaware?
You cannot register to vote or vote in Delaware if:
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Have been adjudged mentally incompetent.
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Were convicted of a felony and have not fully discharged your sentence.
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Were convicted of a disqualifying felony and have not been pardoned. Disqualifying felonies include murder or manslaughter (except vehicular homicide); any felony constituting an offense against public administration involving bribery or improper influence or abuse of office; and any felony constituting a sexual offense.
Can you vote if you do not have a fixed address?
Yes. If you don’t have a residence or are homeless and otherwise qualified to vote, you can register by completing the proper registration form. If registering in person you must provide two pieces of identification containing your name. One of the pieces must include the address from your application. The address can be a shelter, agency or another location where you receive your mail.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Election 2024: How to register to vote, early voting in Delaware
