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Delaware elections in 2026

This page lists Delaware statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Delaware​

Start with the official Delaware voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Delaware voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You can register to vote by applying with the Department of Elections. The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. Voter registration applications received by mail by the Department and postmarked by the deadline, will be considered to be submitted by the deadline. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24

Online​

Online registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election.

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. Voter registration applications received by mail by the Department and postmarked by the deadline, will be considered to be submitted by the deadline

Deadlines

In Person​

You can register to vote by applying with the Department of Elections. The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas citizens can fill out an application using Delaware's Online Registration System or at the FVAP WEB Site and then mail, email or fax the application to the Department's Office for your county.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application.

Absentee and early voting in Delaware​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. Voter registration applications received by mail by the Department and postmarked by the deadline, will be considered to be submitted by the deadline. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • September 2, 2026 — Early Voting Period for the State Primary Election begins: Early Voting Period for the State Primary Election begins – see details below. Early Voting for the September 15, 2026 State Primary Election offered at designated Early Voting Sites in each county. Please call the Department (302-739-4277) or check the Department’s website (https: //elections. delaware. gov) for locations of Early Voting Sites in each county.
  • September 11, 2026 — Last Day to mail absentee ballots to registered voters: DEADLINE for the Department of Elections County Offices to mail absentee ballots for the September 15, 2026 State Primary Election.
  • September 13, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the Sunday before elaction. **Note: ** The original date is September 13, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - September 14

Voter ID requirements in Delaware​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Delaware voter ID requirements.

Delaware election dates for 2026​

School Election — May 12, 2026​

School Board Elections - Polls open from 7 a. m. to 8 p. m.

Important dates​

  • March 6, 2026 — Last Day for Candidates to file notice of candidacy: DEADLINE for candidates for school board elections to file notice of candidacy.
  • May 8, 2026 — Deadline for Absentee Ballots Mailed to voters: DEADLINE for the Department of Elections Offices to mail absentee ballots requested for School Board Elections,
  • May 12, 2026 — Last day to return voted absentee ballots: DEADLINE for voters to return voted School Board Election absentee ballots to the Department of Elections County Office conducting the election.

Primary Election — September 15, 2026​

Congressional and State Primary elections are held on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in September.

Important dates​

  • July 17, 2026 — Last Day for Candidates to Withdraw: DEADLINE for filed candidates to withdraw without forfeiting filing fees.
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You can register to vote by applying with the Department of Elections. The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. Voter registration applications received by mail by the Department and postmarked by the deadline, will be considered to be submitted by the deadline. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 31, 2026 — DEADLINE to Register To Vote for uniformed service members and overseas citizens: DEADLINE for uniformed service members and citizens living outside the United States to register to vote before the September 15, 2026 State Primary election.
  • September 2, 2026 — Early Voting Period for the State Primary Election begins: Early Voting Period for the State Primary Election begins – see details below. Early Voting for the September 15, 2026 State Primary Election offered at designated Early Voting Sites in each county. Please call the Department (302-739-4277) or check the Department’s website (https: //elections. delaware. gov) for locations of Early Voting Sites in each county.
  • September 11, 2026 — Last Day to mail absentee ballots to registered voters: DEADLINE for the Department of Elections County Offices to mail absentee ballots for the September 15, 2026 State Primary Election.
  • September 13, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the Sunday before elaction. **Note: ** The original date is September 13, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - September 14

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 10, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You can register to vote by applying with the Department of Elections. The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. **Note: ** The original date is October 10, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 12
  • October 10, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. Voter registration applications received by mail by the Department and postmarked by the deadline, will be considered to be submitted by the deadline. **Note: ** The original date is October 10, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 12
  • October 10, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. **Note: ** The original date is October 10, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 12
  • October 22, 2026 — Early Voting Period for 2026 General Election begins: Early Voting Period for 2026 General Election begins – see details below. Early Voting for the November 3, 2026 General Election offered at designated Early Voting Sites in each county. Please call the Department (302-739-4277) or check the Department’s website (https: //elections. delaware. gov) for locations of Early Voting Sites in each county
  • October 30, 2026 — Last Day To Mail Absentee Ballots To Voters: DEADLINE for the Department of Elections Offices to mail absentee ballots for the November 3, 2026 General Election.
  • November 1, 2026 — Early Voting for the November 3, 2026 General Election ends: Early Voting for the November 3, 2026 General Election ends. Early Voting offered at designated Early Voting Sites in each county.
  • November 3, 2026 — DEADLINE for voters to return voted absentee ballots: DEADLINE for voters to return voted absentee ballots for the November 3, 2026 General Election to the Department of Elections Office of the county in which the voter resides.

Official Delaware election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.