The state Supreme Court’s recent ruling has significantly changed the way Delawareans will be able to vote in the midterm election this year.
There’s a chance the way you voted in the primary is no longer allowed in Delaware.
Here’s a breakdown of the Supreme Court decision, how you can vote this year and key dates you need to remember – including the deadline to register to vote now being Oct. 15.
When is the election?
The election is on Nov. 8.
What did the Supreme Court rule?
The state’s highest court struck down recent vote-by-mail and same-day voter registration legislation.This means Delaware will return to its more limited, pre-pandemic voting setup where one must vote in person or have an excuse to vote absentee and one must register weeks in advance of an election to cast a ballot.
BACKGROUNDDelaware Supreme Court finds vote by mail, same-day registration unconstitutional
The debate over these voting changes, enacted by lawmakers this past summer, centered on whether Delaware’s constitution would allow all registered voters to cast their ballot through the mail as well as whether allowing people to register to vote all the way up to Election Day is allowed by the provisions of that document.
What’s the deadline to register to vote? And how do I do it?
Due to the Supreme Court ruling, you are no longer allowed to register on Election Day. The last day to register to vote, if you aren’t already, is Oct. 15.
Here’s where you can register to vote online or go to ivote.de.gov.
What are my options for voting this year?
Most Delawareans will be required to vote in person. Here’s where you can find your polling place.
You are able to vote before Election Day on Nov. 8. Early voting in Delaware begins Oct. 28 and lasts until Nov. 6, according to the state’s election site.
Absentee voting is still allowed. In Delaware, registered voters are required to have an eligible excuse. Click here or go to vote.de.gov request an absentee ballot.
Where can I find information on the candidates?
To find out the candidates running in your area, go to Vote411.org, which is a nonpartisan tool created by the League of Women Voters of Delaware.
