Delaware
A guide to voter rights in Delaware. What you need to know before you cast a ballot
EDITOR’S NOTE: This web page is a part of a complete information to state voting rights throughout the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.
For years, Delaware has had inflexible voting legal guidelines, with in-person voting on an election day the one possibility for many voters. Efforts to broaden absentee voting and get rid of the necessity to present an excuse have stalled after receiving broad bipartisan assist in 2019, previous to COVID-19 and the 2020 election. Nonetheless, the First State has taken steps towards increasing voting entry lately. As an example, the legislature has accepted early voting and this yr gave the inexperienced gentle for same-day voter registration.
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Officers from the state Division of Elections mentioned that reported instances of potential voter fraud are investigated and referred to the Division of Justice as warranted. Solely when expenses are introduced is the character and variety of investigations disclosed to the general public.
Source: Delaware Division of Elections
For round twenty years, former felons have had the suitable to vote. Former felons which have dedicated a disqualifying felony, which incorporates homicide or manslaughter and abuse of workplace, are completely restricted from voting.
Source: Delaware Division of Elections, Delaware Code On-line Although Delaware voters are requested to indicate identification once they arrive at a polling place, the state doesn’t even have a photograph ID legislation. If a voter arrives at their appropriate polling place with out a type of ID, reminiscent of a polling place card, driver’s license or passport, they need to signal an affidavit affirming their identification if their title is on the ballot listing.
Source: Delaware Division of Elections
In January, Delawareans gained the chance to solid their ballots in individual earlier than election day, below a invoice that handed the Legislature in 2019. Voters can solid ballots a minimum of 10 days earlier than major and common elections at choose areas within the state. Source: Delaware Code On-line
For years, Delawareans might solely submit an absentee poll in the event that they supplied a legitimate excuse for his or her must vote absentee. Through the top COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware briefly expanded voting entry to Delawareans, permitting them to mail absentee with out offering an excuse. Although the state handed laws relating to mail-in voting this yr, it has not particularly expanded absentee voting.
Source: Delaware Information Journal
This yr, Delaware handed a legislation that enables no-excuse mail-in voting. On this mail-in voting system, voters must request a poll after which deposit it in a safe dropbox or ship it to the state’s Division of Elections.
Source: Delaware Normal Meeting
Delaware’s final redistricting occurred within the fall of 2021, primarily based on 2020 census knowledge. This census, and the resultant drawing of district traces, was the primary time the state counted prisoners at their final recorded handle earlier than incarceration, versus the handle of the jail.
Source: DelawareOnline Article The usage of cell telephones and clothes pertaining to a candidate up for an election are prohibited in Delaware polling locations. Political exercise can solely happen 50 toes from the voting room. Moreover, polling-place guidelines in Delaware enable youngsters below 17 years outdated to accompany the voter of their sales space.
Source: Delaware Code On-line, Delaware Division of Elections
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