Here are your rights and duties when voting in Pa., N.J. and Del.

New Jersey

The Garden State has a Voters’ Bill of Rights, which outlines what voters can expect at polling places along with resources available.

While casting their ballot, voters have the right to vote in private, bring in a sample ballot and take a “reasonable” amount of time. Instructions on how to use the voting machine are available in polling places. If you don’t see them, ask any poll worker.

Like in Pennsylvania, New Jersey has support for voters with disabilities and they can also bring someone to help them as long as the person is not a representative of their employer or union. If a disabled voter shows up alone, two poll workers of opposite parties may help. A poll worker must fill out a disability certificate before using a machine.

Garden State residents who are not in incarceration as a result of a conviction of any indictable offense can vote by completing a new voter registration form. Also, anyone who is on parole or is awaiting trial, even in jail, can vote.

New Jersey is also one of 21 states that restricts wearing campaign swag at polling places. A voter at a polling place in Hamilton Township garnered media attention for throwing a tantrum when she was forbidden by poll workers from entering the polling station because of what she was wearing.

You cannot enter a polling place or stand within 100 feet of the outside entrance of a polling place “wearing or displaying anything that may offer support for or opposition against any candidate, party or public question on the ballot,” including “political badges, buttons, insignias, t-shirts, hats or other display that can be read or viewed to identify support or opposition of a candidate, political party or public questions.”

The state’s law against electioneering is spelled out on a new poster the Division of Elections displayed during early voting for the first time on Oct. 26.

Complaint forms are available for voters at every polling station. Voters can call 877-NJ-VOTER (877-658-6837) for any voting questions.

Delaware

A brief overview of accessible voting options is described in this video on the Delaware Elections YouTube page. Each polling site is surveyed by state elections staff to ensure that it is accessible.

Similar to surrounding states, those who need assistance in casting their ballot can take someone to assist them. In addition, at least one universal voting console is available at each polling place

Delaware’s voting machines, the ES&S ExpressVote XL, are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and have been in use since 2019.

A person convicted of a felony can vote if their sentence has been fully discharged and if they were not convicted of a disqualifying felony as stated in the state’s constitution. The disqualifying felonies include murder and manslaughter, with the exception of vehicular homicide. The exclusion is also extended to offenses against public administration involving bribery, improper influence, abuse of office or a sexual offense.

The First State is also among the 21 states that restrict electioneering.

Campaigning and wearing anything that supports or opposes a candidate or issue is prohibited within 50 feet of a polling place.

Delaware outlines its procedure to file a complaint if you believe your voting rights have been violated. The complaint must be submitted to the Office of the State Election Commissioner or any of the county elections departments. It must be in writing, notarized and signed and sworn by the voter.