Why Should Delaware Care?
Early voting for Delaware’s primary elections begins today, ahead of Primary Election day which will take place on Sept. 15. While there will still be a general election in November, some of the most competitive races across the state are likely to be decided this month.

Beginning today, Sept. 2, Delawareans registered with either the Democratic or Republican Party can cast their ballots early for the state’s upcoming primary election. 

Primary Election Day is set for Tuesday, Sept. 15, but early voting will take place over the next two weeks at polling locations across the state. 

Though we are still months away from the November general election, about 40% of all this year’s statewide or statehouse races will be decided by voters during the primaries. Increased partisan redistricting in recent decades also makes it more difficult to flip seats between parties, meaning the primary may be the best opportunity for voters to have a say in who represents them in Dover.

Delaware operates under a closed primary system, meaning that voters must be registered with either of the two major parties in order to participate. Independent, third-party or unaffiliated voters will not be able to cast a ballot until the November general election.

The deadline for most residents to affiliate with a party has passed, but voters who were automatically registered at the Division of Motor Vehicles without choosing a party can still participate by designating their affiliation in person at their polling place.

Eligible residents can cast their ballots at any polling place in  their county of residence throughout the 10-day early voting period.

Spotlight Delaware has compiled a round up of some of the most pertinent early voting information below.

What does the process of voting look like?

When can I vote early ?

Early voting will take place over the span of 10 days from:

  • Sept. 2 through Sept. 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sept. 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sept. 9 through Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There will be no early voting Sept. 6-7 in honor of Labor Day.

Where can I vote early?

There are six polling locations in New Castle County, four in Kent County and nine in Sussex County.

New Castle County polling places:

  • Appoquinimink State Service Center, located at 122 Silver Lake Road in Middletown
  • Claymont Community Center, located at 3301 Green St. in Claymont
  • Department of Elections Warehouse, located at New Castle, 220 Lisa Drive in New Castle
  • Hudson State Service Center, located at 501 Ogletown Road in Newark
  • The Delaware Contemporary, located at 200 S. Madison St. in Wilmington
  • Wilmington Police Athletic League (PAL), located at 3707 N. Market St. in Wilmington

Kent County polling places:

  • BPOE #1903 Elks Lodge, 200 S Saulsbury Road, Dover, DE 19904
  • Frederica Senior Center, 216 Market St., Frederica, DE 19946
  • Harrington Parks & Recreation, 114 E. Liberty St., Harrington, DE 19952
  • Wyoming United Methodist Church, 216 Wyoming Mill Road, Dover, DE 19904

Sussex County polling places:

  • Department of Elections Georgetown Warehouse – 542 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947
  • Department of Elections Seaford Warehouse – 200 Allen St., Seaford, DE 19973
  • Ellendale Fire Hall – 302 Main St., Ellendale, DE 19941
  • Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 19113 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
  • Indian River Fire Co Sta #2 – 25375 Banks Road, Millsboro, DE 19966
  • Laurel Fire Hall – 205 W 10th St., Laurel, DE 19956
  • Margaret Rollins Community Center – 101 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958
  • Millville Community Center – 32517 Dukes Drive, Millville, DE 19967
  • Roxana Fire Hall – 39453 Zion Church Road, Frankford, DE 19945

What do I need to bring to vote ?

When arriving at an early voting site, a poll worker will ask you for proof of identity. Permitted forms of ID include:

  • A valid photo ID
  • A utility bill showing your address
  • A bank statement
  • A paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your address.

Who can vote?

To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must meet the following criteria: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be a Delaware resident
  • Be 18 years old on or before the Nov. 5 general election
  • Have not been judged to be mentally incompetent
  • have completed your entire sentence if you were convicted of a felony. 

Who is on the ballot?

A complete list of the candidates is available on the Department of Elections website.

For more information on a specific candidate, voters can visit Vote 411. 

Spotlight Delaware also has compiled an election center, which includes a series of podcasts with candidates in some of the state’s most competitive races across the state.

Can I get help when I vote?

If an eligible voter does not speak English, they can ask for assistance from a poll worker, or ask another person of their choice to assist them.

Poll workers can also assist voters with a disability that prevents them from operating a voting machine by themselves.

Can I request an absentee ballot?

Absentee voting is permitted during the primary election. To request an absentee ballot, visit the state’s online portal here. 

Absentee ballot applications can be submitted virtually using the online portal above, or they can be either physically mailed to or dropped off at your county’s Department of Elections location.

The New Castle County Department of Elections office is located at: 

  • Carvel State Office Building
    820 North French St. Suite 400
    Wilmington, DE 19801

The New Castle County Department of Elections’ mailing address:

  • P.O. Box 7079
    Wilmington, DE 19803

The Kent County Department of Elections office is located at:

  • 100 Enterprise Place Suite 5
    Dover, DE 19904

The Kent County Department of Elections’ mailing address is:

  • P.O. BOX 699
    Dover DE 19903-0699

The Sussex County Department of Elections is located at:

  • 119 N. Race St.
    Georgetown DE 19947

The Sussex County Department of Elections’ mailing address is:

  • P.O. Box 457
    Georgetown, DE 19947-0457

Absentee ballots must be sent out to voters at least four days before Election Day. They must then be completed and returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.

What should I do if I need help?

If you need help or have any questions, contact the Delaware Department of Elections.