Frequently Asked Questions for Voting in 2020
Click on each question below to jump to the answer.
- When are the elections in 2020?
- When is the deadline to register to vote?
- Can I vote in the primary election if I am an independent voter?
- What’s the difference between Absentee voting and vote by mail?
- I voted Absentee in the Presidential Primary because of COVID-19, can I do that again?
- Do you have to have an excuse (like a disability or travel) to cast a ballot by mail?
- Do I still have the option to vote in-person on Election Day?
- How do I request a vote by mail ballot?
- When is the deadline to request a vote by mail ballot?
- Can I request a vote by mail ballot for all 2020 elections?
- When is the deadline to return my vote by mail ballot?
- I requested a vote by mail ballot, but it hasn’t arrived yet. What should I do?
- I sent back my mail-in ballot, but it's not marked as "recieved" on iVote.DE.gov. Will my vote count?
- Do I need an ID to vote?
- Do people with a felony conviction have the right to vote?
- I have a disability. What accommodations can I seek to vote?
- What should I do if I encounter problems casting my ballot?
- I was diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of the election, but I haven't requested a vote by mail ballot. Can I still vote?
When are the elections in 2020?
The primary election is Tuesday, September 15, 2020. The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
When is the deadline to register to vote?
The deadline to register to vote for the state primary election is August 22, 2020. To vote in the general election, you must be registered by October 10, 2020.
Can I vote in the primary election if I am an independent voter?
No. You must be a registered voter in one of the participating political parties in order to cast a ballot in the primary election.
What’s the difference between Absentee voting and vote by mail?
Absentee voting is available to Delawareans for every election, and requires an excuse to request a ballot. Absentee voters are Delawareans who can’t make it to the polls due to an excuse covered by our state’s Absentee voting rules (i.e. due to illness, travel, military service, etc.).
Vote-by-mail is a temporary voting option for the 2020 elections that allows all Delawareans to request a mail-in ballot, with no excuse needed.
I voted Absentee in the Presidential Primary because of COVID-19, can I do that again?
All voters are eligible to request a vote-by-mail ballot in 2020 elections, without any excuse necessary. Voters eligible to request an Absentee ballot (i.e. due to illness, travel, military service, etc.) may still do so. A COVID-19 illness, or caring for someone who has COVID-19, is a valid reason to request an absentee ballot, which you may do until noon the day before election day (November 2). However, if you are not ill or caring for someone who is ill due to COVID-19, you should instead request a vote by mail ballot or vote in-person at the polls.
Do you have to have an excuse (like a disability or travel) to cast a ballot by mail?
Not for the 2020 elections. The Delaware General Assembly passed a special law allowing any voter to cast a ballot by mail as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do I still have the option to vote in-person on Election Day?
Yes! Vote-by-mail is encouraged this year to allow more people to safely cast their ballot at home, but polling locations will still be open. You can find your polling location at iVote.DE.gov. All polling locations will be open from 7 am- 8 pm on Election Day.
How do I request a vote by mail ballot?
The most convenient way to request a vote-by-mail ballot and learn more about the vote-by-mail process is to visit the voter portal at iVote.DE.gov. Additionally, all registered voters will be mailed vote by mail applications for the 2020 primary and general elections. You may fill out and return those forms by mail or drop them off directly at your local board of elections office.
When is the deadline to request a vote by mail ballot?
Voters may request to vote-by-mail at any time prior to 4 days before each election. However, due to mail delays, voters are encouraged to request their vote-by-mail ballots as soon as possible.
Can I request a vote by mail ballot for all 2020 elections?
Yes! The form allows voters to choose to receive vote by mail ballots for both the 2020 primary and general elections.
When is the deadline to return my vote by mail ballot?
Absentee and vote-by-mail ballots must be returned to your county’s Department of Elections office by 8 pm on Election Day.
I requested a vote by mail ballot, but it hasn’t arrived yet. What should I do?
Call your local board of elections office to ensure your ballot is on its way. If you are concerned that it will not arrive in time, you may go vote in-person at your polling place on Election Day. If you recieve your ballot in time for the election but do not have time to mail it back, you can drop it off at your local elections office by 8pm on Election Day or vote in-person at your polling locaton.
If you vote on-pereson on Election Day after requesting a mail-in ballot, your unreturned ballot will be voided.
I sent back my mail-in ballot, but it's not marked as "recieved" on iVote.DE.gov. Will my vote count?
If you mailed back or dropped off your ballot, but it is not showing as "received" on the state's website on Election Day, you can go to your polling location and vote in person. The poll worker will call the main county office and cancel your mail-in ballot.
Do I need an ID to vote?
No, but poll workers will ask you to show proof of identity. If you do not show ID, you must fill out a form before you can vote. Showing ID makes checking you in faster and reduces mistakes. IDs may include:
- Delaware Drivers License or State ID
- U.S. Passport
- Signed Polling Place or Social Security Card
- Signed vehicle registration
- Signed credit card with photo
- A similar document that identifies the person by photo or signature
Do people with a felony conviction have the right to vote?
Most people with felony convictions are able to register to vote after completion of their sentence, including probation.
People who are convicted of certain felonies — including murder or manslaughter, some against public administration and bribery, and felony sexual offenses — are permanently disenfranchised unless they receive a pardon from the governor.
I have a disability. What accommodations can I seek to vote?
As a person with a disability, you have the right to vote either by mail or in-person, and it is important that you decide which is the best option for you.
If you vote by mail, Delaware allows you to use the absentee ballot request form, accessible at iVote.de.gov. If you select that you have a disability, it will permit you to select how you wish to receive the ballot--by mail, fax or email. If you cannot hold a pen or have a visual disability, you can utilize a screen reader and assistive technology to read and mark a ballot sent by email.
If you vote in-person, your polling location should be ADA-compliant with accessible parking and entrances. If you require special assistance at the polls, it is your right to request help from poll workers or from a family member or friend.
What should I do if I encounter problems casting my ballot?
Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE, which is the nationwide nonpartisan Election Protection hotline. You may also fill out a request for legal assistance from the ACLU of Delaware here.
I was diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of the election, but I haven't requested a vote by mail ballot. Can I still vote?
Yes! You may request an absentee ballot if you are sick with COVID-19 or caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19. Absentee ballot requests are accepted until noon the day before election day (November 2), and they can be delivered electronically.
Request your mail-in ballot today
Page last updated 10.23.2020.
