Americans in various states have been voting early for weeks – and now it's Delaware's turn.

Early voting in Delaware began Friday and will continue through Nov. 3 ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5. In addition to the heated presidential election, in Delaware we will vote for a new governor, a new U.S. House representative and our only U.S. senator, as well as various state and local offices.

Find out everything you need to know about the process by checking out the nearest polling location map below:

What is early voting?

Early voting is a specific time before Election Day when registered voters can cast their ballots in person, just like regular voting.

Different states have different rules for voting before Election Day.

In Delaware, registered voters are not required to provide an excuse or request an absentee ballot to vote early. They can simply go to an early voting location in their county of residence.

Why is there early voting?

Early voting gives voters the flexibility to easily vote before Election Day, so people who may be out of town or otherwise unable to go to the polls on November 5 can still vote.

Early voting can also result in less waiting in line and shorter lines on Election Day itself.

Is early voting safe?

Early voting polling places are just like Election Day polling places in Delaware, with the same voting machines and the same level of security.

How does absentee voting differ from early voting?

Postal votes are delivered by post or dropbox. Unlike early voting, to vote by mail in Delaware, you must provide a reason why you cannot vote in person at your home polling place, such as: B. Military service, studying, living abroad as a US citizen or disability.

If you experience an emergency, such as being unexpectedly hospitalized on Election Day, you have the right to request an emergency mail-in ballot that can be delivered electronically. All mail-in ballots must be cast by 8 p.m. on Election Day, when polls close in Delaware.

Can I vote early at my regular polling station?

There are no polling places assigned for early voting in Delaware. Your regular polling place probably won't be open for early voting, but you can go to any designated early voting location as long as it's in the county where you live.

Where can I vote early in Delaware?

There are 19 early voting locations in Delaware, six in New Castle County, four in Kent County and nine in Sussex County. Residents can vote at any early voting location in their county of residence. Scroll up to our map to find the one closest to you.

For a detailed list of early voting locations and polling locations for Election Day 2024, visit the Delaware Voting Locations page.

When is early voting?

In Delaware, early voting begins October 25th and ends November 3rd.

Until October 29th, polling stations will be open from 11am to 7pm and from October 30th they will extend their opening hours from 7am to 7pm.

What do I need to bring with me to vote early?

If you vote early in Delaware, you will be asked to provide ID as proof of residency. This can be a driver's license or ID card, a passport, a social security card, a polling station card or a vehicle registration document.

If you do not have ID, you can still vote by signing an affidavit certifying that you are the person registered as a voter in the poll book.

Should I vote early?

Some people like the peace of mind that they can get it done so early, and some prefer to cast their vote when the energy is at its peak on Election Day.

For many Delawareans, their assigned polling place on Election Day will be closer and more convenient than one of the 19 early voting locations across the state.

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