Before June 21, a Delaware driver could choose to register to vote at the Division of Motor Vehicles. Now it will be automatic.
When unregistered voters go to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a driver’s license, learner’s permit, ID or change of address, they’ll automatically be registered to vote if they meet age and citizenship requirements.
The change started Wednesday at all DMV locations and online at dmv.de.gov with a “myDMV” account, according to the Delaware Department of Elections.
The process only applies to unregistered voters.
When DMV customers complete their transaction, their information will be electronically transferred to the voter registration system. The Department of Elections will review the information to verify the voter’s eligibility. If they’re not registered to vote but are eligible, they will be registered to vote.
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 allowed U.S. citizens in Delaware who meet eligibility requirements to register to vote while obtaining or renewing a Delaware driver license, learners permit or identification card, but they had to take the initiative.
“Automatic voter registration will streamline the process for those who qualify,” said Division of Motor Vehicles Director Jana Simpler.
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What about choosing a political party?
Automatically registered voters will have no party affiliation at first, but they can choose one. The Department of Elections will mail a notice of automatic voter registration which includes a response form that can be used to choose a party affiliation.
Voters may choose a political party through the day of the first primary election following their automatic voter registration to cast a ballot in that primary election. Delaware is a closed primary state. Only voters registered Democratic or Republican may vote in their party’s primary.
What if I don’t want to be a registered voter?
If you don’t want to be a registered voter but are automatically registered after a DMV transaction, when the Department of Elections mails the notice, you can use the response form to cancel the voter registration.
What if I have questions about this process?
For information about automatic voter registration, contact the Delaware Department of Elections on the website elections.delaware.gov or by calling 302-739-4277. Don’t contact the Division of Motor Vehicles.
To express concerns about the law that allows this process, contact state elected officials.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
