Voter Registration & Election Guide
Hornets, your voice and your vote matter in every election. The university encourages all students and employees, regardless of political affiliation, to participate in the electoral process. Voting is an exciting opportunity to participate in our democracy and use your vote to shape the future. Faculty and staff play a critical role in helping to educate and support students by sharing resources and information. This guide includes a list of resources as well as answers to frequently asked questions about registering and voting.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
There is no national voter registration deadline. Voters in each state and territory must follow their voter registration laws. Every state except North Dakota requires citizens to register if they want to vote. Some states require voters to register up to 30 days before an election, while others allow registration up to and on Election Day. It’s important you know the rules in your state. Click the link below and enter your state or territory from the dropdown menu to find your voter registration deadline.
Check Voter Registration Deadlines and Laws in Your State | Vote.gov
HOW TO VOTE WHILE YOU’RE IN COLLEGE
Just like residency requirements, each state has its own deadlines for registering to vote. Those deadlines range from same-day registration to 30 days before the election. (This year's Election Day is November 5, 2024, so you may want to get moving if you want to participate in the national, state, and local elections)!
Absentee voting
Although most states have absentee voting, deadlines and rules on who can take part vary. Some states require an excuse to vote absentee. Others do not. In most states, you will need to request an absentee ballot to vote in each election. But in some states, you may qualify to sign up to receive absentee ballots for every election. Learn if your state offers permanent absentee voting.
Vote-by-mail
Instead of absentee voting programs, some states offer vote-by-mail (also known as all-mail) programs. Some states will automatically send ballots to all registered voters in their state before Election Day. See which states offer vote-by-mail programs.
Know your state’s absentee and vote-by-mail ballot deadlines. Make sure you follow your state’s deadlines for requesting and returning your ballot. See your state’s voting deadlines. And note whether the deadline is for when your ballot must be postmarked or for when it must be received by the election office.
YOUR PARTY AFFILIATION
In general elections, you do not have to vote for the candidate from your party. Depending on your state, rules for voting in primaries or caucuses may be different. Your state may give you the opportunity to declare your political party affiliation on your voter registration card.
- You do not have to vote for the party you are registered with in a federal, state, or local general election.
- Depending on your state’s rules, you may only be allowed to vote for the political party you are registered with. This may apply when you vote in:
- A presidential primary or caucus
- Congressional or local office primaries
VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS
Your state's laws determine whether you will need to show an ID and, if so, what kind. Your state may require you to show a photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Or they may ask to see another form of identification like your voter registration card, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
Find out what ID your state requires you to bring when you vote.
CRITICAL DATES FOR VOTING IN DELAWARE
Delaware Voting Information (vote411.org)
UPCOMING ELECTION DATES & REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Some elections in this list are local and do not apply for all Delaware voters. Please click the “View all” button below to view all election dates in your state.
NEXT ELECTION: PRIMARY
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Early Voting Dates: 8/28-8/31 and 9/3-9/8
View details
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
ONLINE: Get Registered!
Saturday, August 17, 2024
BY MAIL (POSTMARKED)
Saturday, August 17, 2024
IN PERSON
Saturday, August 17, 2024
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2024
GENERAL ELECTION
For more voting resources visit: Voting and elections | USAGov
HAVE A QUESTION?
To speak to a live agent, call toll-free 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681).
Agents are available Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time (except federal holidays).