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Here's what you need to know if you're voting in Delaware in 2012:

VOTER REGISTRATION

How can I register to vote?

You can register to vote by applying with the Department of Elections. You can apply:

  • By mail;
  • By phone: Call your county's elections office to have a voter registration form sent to you:

o   New Castle County: 302-577-3464
o   Kent County: 302-739-4498
o   Sussex County: 302-856-5367

  • In person: You can register at the Department of Elections office or your county's elections office. Their addresses can be found online at www.elections.delaware.gov/locations.shtml.
  • Or at state offices while accessing services:

o   Division of Motor Vehicles;
o   Department of Health and Social Services; or
o   Department of Labor.

  • Online: Register to vote online at: www.elections.delaware.gov.

What is the deadline to register to vote?

  • For the Sept. 11, 2012 primary election, the deadline to register is Aug. 18.
  • For the Nov. 6, 2012 general election, the deadline to register is Oct. 13.

VOTER IDENTIFICATION

You do need to provide proof of your identity when voting in Delaware. Bring identification to the polling place, especially if it is the first time you vote or if you registered by mail. This can be a photo ID, utility bill, paycheck or any other government document with your name and address on it.

EARLY VOTING

Early voting is not allowed in Delaware. If you are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day, please see the next section for information about eligibility requirements to vote by absentee ballot.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Who is eligible to vote absentee?

If you are a registered voter in your election district but you are unable to appear at the polls to vote in person for a reason stated in the law, you are eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots may be used for the following reasons:

  • Your business or occupation prevents you from coming to the polls (this includes students);
  • You are on vacation;
  • You are incarcerated (not for a felony);
  • The tenets or teachings of your religion prevent you from coming to the polls;
  • You are experiencing a temporary or permanent physical disability; or
  • You are in the public service of the United States or the state of Delaware and are unable to come to the polls.

How do I apply to vote by absentee ballot?

Those who are registered to vote in Delaware must first submit a completed Affidavit for Absentee Ballot to the Department of Elections for the county in which they live. You may obtain an affidavit for the Department of Elections for your county or from the Commissioner of Elections website: www.elections.delaware.gov/services/voter/absenteeballot.shtml. Submit your Affidavit for Absentee Ballot to the Department of Elections for your county as early as possible before the election. If you are applying for an absentee ballot for one of the following reasons, you will need to get your affidavit notarized:

  • Due to the nature of your business or occupation, including the business or occupation of providing constant care to a parent, spouse or child who is living at home and requires constant care due to illness or injury;
  • You are incarcerated;
  • You will be absent from the district on vacation; or
  • Due to the tenets or teachings of your religion.

Voting by Absentee Ballot

For those voting by mail, the Department of Elections for your county will mail your absentee ballot to you as soon as they are available. This is usually about 35 days prior to a primary election and 45 days prior to a general election.

You also may vote by absentee ballot in person at the
Department of Elections for your county. To vote in person, contact the Department of Elections for your county to determine when absentee ballots will be available and the hours for voting. Be sure to take proof of identity with you when you go to vote.

Permanent Absentee Voting

A registered voter who is eligible to vote by absentee ballot also may be eligible for permanent absentee status. If that is the case, an absentee ballot automatically will be sent for each election in which the person is entitled to vote.

The following are eligible reasons for permanent absentee status:

  • Because such person is in the public service of the United States or of the state, or is a citizen of the United States temporarily residing outside the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia, or such person's spouse or dependents when residing with or accompanying the person, or is absent from this state because of illness or injury received while serving in the armed forces of the United States; or
  • Because such person is in the armed forces of the United States or the Merchant Marine of the United States, or attached to and serving with the Armed Forces of the United States in the American Red Cross or United Service Organizations; or
  • Because such person is sick or physically disabled; or
  • Because such person is otherwise authorized pursuant to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to vote by absentee ballot; or
  • Because such person is otherwise authorized by federal law to vote by absentee ballot.

If one of these reasons applies to you, you may apply in writing to the department of elections for the county in which you are registered to vote.

When is the deadline to return my completed ballot?

All absentee ballots must be received by your county's Department of Elections office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

If you have any questions, contact your local elections office or the State  Department of Elections at 302-739-4277 or www.elections.delaware.gov.