Election FAQs
From the Department of Elections, this Overview Map will help Delaware citizens determine the districts in which they reside, based upon their address.
District Maps
In Delaware, various district maps exist to outline representation at different levels of government. The state is divided into districts for Senators, Representatives, County Councils, School Boards, and Election Polling districts. Each map serves the purpose of organizing geographic regions to ensure proportional representation and effective governance. These districts are designed based on factors like population density, community boundaries, and administrative convenience, tailoring the representation structure to the specific needs and characteristics of each level of government. The distinct district maps help manage and streamline the electoral and governance processes across different tiers of public service in Delaware.
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When do I vote in 2024?2024 MUNICIPAL ELECTION CALENDAR - Scroll down to Sussex County Municipalities section. 2024 STATE OF DELAWARE ELECTION CALENDAR Presidential Primary Election: April 2, 2024 DEADLINE to change political party affiliation: February 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: Voters who are automatically registered at DMV by the Presidential Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline of March 9, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. and have their party listed as No Party-AVR may change their political party affiliation up to and including on Presidential Primary Election Day, April 2, 2024, in order to vote in their party's Presidential Primary Election. DEADLINE to register to vote: March 9, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Early Voting: March 20 through March 28, 2024, and March 30, 2024. DEADLINE for the DOE to mail absentee ballots: March 28, 2024 DEADLINE for the DOE to issue absentee ballots: April 1, 2024, by 12:00 noon DEADLINE for voters to return voted absentee ballots: April 2, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. School Board Elections: May 14, 2024 DEADLINE for candidates for school board elections to file notice of candidacy: March 1, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Filing for a School Board Election DEADLINE for the DOE to mail absentee ballots: May 10, 2024 DEADLINE for the DOE to issue absentee ballots: May 13, 2024, by 12:00 noon DEADLINE for voters to return voted absentee ballots: May 14, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. 2024 State Primary Election: September 10, 2024 DEADLINE to change political party affiliation: May 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: Voters who are automatically registered at DMV by the State Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline of August 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. and have their party listed as No Party-AVR may change their political party affiliation up to and including on State Primary Election Day, September 10, 2024, in order to vote in their party's State Primary Election. DEADLINE to register to vote: August 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Early Voting: August 24 through August 31, 2024, and September 3 through September 8, 2024. DEADLINE for the DOE to mail absentee ballots: September 6, 2024 DEADLINE for the DOE to issue absentee ballots: September 9, 2024, at 12 noon DEADLINE for voters to return voted absentee ballots: September 10, 2024, at 8:00 pm 2024 General Election: November 5, 2024 DEADLINE for unregistered citizens to register to vote: October 12, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Early Voting: October 25 through November 3, 2024. DEADLINE for the DOE to mail absentee ballots: November 1, 2024 DEADLINE for the DOE to issue absentee ballots: November 4, 2024 at 12 noon DEADLINE for voters to return voted absentee ballots: November 5, 2024, at 8:00 p.m..
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How do I register to Vote?In Delaware, registering to vote is a straightforward process that ensures your participation in the democratic process. The Delaware Department of Elections provides multiple avenues for registration, including online registration through the Delaware Department of Elections website. Alternatively, you can register by completing a paper voter registration application available at various state agencies, libraries, and Department of Elections offices. The application can be mailed to the Department of Elections in your county or delivered in person. Additionally, Delaware offers voter registration at Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations when applying for or renewing a driver's license or state ID. To register, you must be: a U.S. citizen a Delaware resident at least 18 years old by the next general election. It's crucial to ensure your registration is complete at least four weeks before the upcoming election to participate fully in the democratic process. By taking these steps, you contribute to shaping the future of your community and the state of Delaware through your valuable vote. Learn More at Voter Services or Go To ivote.de.gov for Registration Lookup & Absentee Ballot Requests and Polling Location Search
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Where do I Vote in 2024?Use this tool from the Department of Elections to locate your polling location. From the Department of Elections, this Overview Map helps Delaware citizens determine the districts in which they reside, based upon their address. DISTRICT LOOKUP TOOL RD 04 RD 14 RD 20 RD 35 RD 36 RD 37 RD 38 RD 39 RD 40 RD 41 In Delaware, various district maps exist to outline representation at different levels of government. The state is divided into districts for Senators, Representatives, County Councils, School Boards, and Election Polling districts. Each map serves the purpose of organizing geographic regions to ensure proportional representation and effective governance. These districts are designed based on factors like population density, community boundaries, and administrative convenience, tailoring the representation structure to the specific needs and characteristics of each level of government. The distinct district maps help manage and streamline the electoral and governance processes across different tiers of public service in Delaware. Senate Overview Map House District Overview Map County Council District Overview Map Sussex School Board District Maps
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How do I change my party affiliation?If you were automatically registered to vote at DMV through the Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) process, you may choose a political party through the day of the first primary election following your automatic voter registration at DMV in order to vote in that primary election. AVR voters who do not choose a party by that first primary election after AVR will be registered as “No Party” voters and then eligible to change their party affiliation during the standard party change periods designated in the Delaware Code. You can change your party affiliation: Before a Primary Election: anytime except from the last Saturday in May through the date of the Primary. Before a Presidential Primary: anytime except from the 59th day before the Presidential Primary through the date of the election. Learn More > or Go To ivote.de.gov > for Registration Lookup & Absentee Ballot Requests and Polling Location Search
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How is voting handled in Delaware?Absentee Voting: A voting method that enables individuals who are physically unable to go to a polling place on Election Day, due to reasons like being out of town, military service, illness, disability, or any other circumstance, to still be able to participate in the electoral process. Eligible voters request the ballot from their local election office, receive it by mail, mark their choices, and return it before the specified deadline. Learn More> Early Voting: Voting in person prior to Election Day is offered in Delaware for at least ten days before Primary, General, and Special Elections, with the last day the Sunday before Election Day. The Department of Elections will announce the polling locations for early voting when appropriate in 2024. Election Day Voting: You may vote in person at your assigned Polling Place on Election Day.
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How do I volunteer to help during the elections?Volunteer to work with local Republican groups (SCRC, districts). See the many ways you can on our Get Involved page and fill out the Volunteer Form. Sign up to be a Poll Worker An opportunity to serve your community and earn some money! The State of Delaware needs more than 3,200 Election Officers to staff polling places for the General Election. This is a unique opportunity to serve your community by participating in the electoral process! Learn more about working at the polls: How to apply Compensation and Taxes Work schedule Responsibilities Contact information Training
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How do state-wide voting districts work in Delaware?A voting district is a small geographic area the government uses to group voters. Delaware has 20 State Senate Districts; 5 of the districts are in Sussex County. Delaware has 41 State Representative Districts; 10 of the districts are in Sussex County Delaware state-wide elections are organized based on the 41 Representative Districts. Representative Districts are further divided into Election Districts (Polling Districts). In Sussex County, Representative Districts have between 9 to 14 Election Districts. The Local Sussex County Districts For Sussex County Council elections, the entire county is divided into 5 districts with 5 seats on the council. For Sussex County School Board elections, the elections are organized within each school board district.
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What are voting options in Delaware?Absentee Voting: A voting method that enables individuals who are physically unable to go to a polling place on Election Day, due to reasons like being out of town, military service, illness, disability, or any other circumstance, to still be able to participate in the electoral process. Eligible voters request the ballot from their local election office, receive it by mail, mark their choices, and return it before the specified deadline. Learn More> Early Voting: Voting in person prior to Election Day is currently offered in Delaware for at least ten days before Primary, General, and Special Elections, with the last day the Sunday before Election Day. The Department of Elections will announce the polling locations for early voting when appropriate in 2024. Election Day Voting: You may vote in person at your assigned Polling Place on Election Day.
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For School Board Election on May 14, where do I vote and what are the times?School Board Election Date is May 14th. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You do not have to be registered to vote for the School Board Elections. You must provide proof of identity and address. This includes: Delaware driver's license Delaware ID card Work ID card with photo and home address U. S. postal material with street address DELMAR SCHOOL DISTRICT 3C USA Church 38238 Old Stage Rd., Delmar, DE 19940 Delmar High School 200 N 8th St., Delmar, DE 19940 INDIAN RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT 4 Indian River High School 29772 Armory Rd., Dagsboro, DE 19939 Millville Community Center 32517 Dukes Drive, Millville, DE 19967 WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICTS Woodbridge Middle School 307 S. Laws St., Bridgeville, DE 19933 Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center 400 Governors Ave., Greenwood, DE 19950 The Cape Henlopen, Indian River District 3, Laurel, Milford and Seaford School District Elections are uncontested.
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For the May 14th School Board Elections is there Early Voting?School Board Elections are held May 14, 2024. There are no Early Voting Days for School Board Elections.
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For the State Primary, what are the Early Voting and In Person Voting Dates?2024 State Primary Election: September 10, 2024 Early Voting: August 24 through August 31, 2024, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and September 3 through September 8, 2024. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Primary Day Voting: September, 10 2024, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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For the General Election what are the Early Voting and Election Day dates?2024 General Election: November 5, 2024 Early Voting: October 25 through October 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and October 30 to November 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day Voting: November 5, 2024, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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For Early Voting do I go to the same polling place as for the General Election?For Early Voting there are not as many polling places in Sussex County as for the Primary and General Elections. The exact polling places will be announced by the Department of Elections some time prior to the beginning of early voting.
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What are all types of districts I hear about?A voting district is a small geographic area the government uses to group voters. STATEWIDE DISTRICTS SENATE Delaware has 20 State Senate Districts; 5 of the districts are in Sussex County. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Delaware has 41 State Representative Districts; 10 of the districts are in Sussex County Delaware state-wide elections are organized based on the 41 Representative Districts (RDs).Representative Districts are further divided into Election Districts (EDs).In Sussex County, Representative Districts have between 9 to 14 Election Districts. THE LOCAL SUSSEX COUNTY DISTRICTS COUNTY COUNCIL For Sussex County Council elections, the entire county is divided into 5 districts with 5 seats on the council. SCHOOL BOARDS For Sussex County School Board elections, the elections are organized within each school board district. Go to District Maps page to view individual District maps.
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How do I find out what district I live in?This online tool from the Department of Election gives you all your district information when you search on your address.
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How do I find out who the candidates are running in my districts?How do I find out who the candidates are running in my districts? First, find out what Senate District, House of Representative District and Sussex County Council District you live in. This online tool from the Department of Elections gives you all your district information when you search on your address. Second, visit our 2024 Candidates page to see what candidates we have file for election in your districts.
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How do I request to vote Absentee?The quickest and most convenient way to request an absentee ballot is to visit the voter portal, iVote, and follow the instructions there to request a ballot. Learn more about voting absentee. Also, here is an FAQ from the Department of Elections on Absentee Voting.
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What are the qualifications to register to vote?You may register to vote in Delaware if you: Are a citizen of the United States; AND Are a resident of Delaware (Delaware is your home); AND Will be 18 years old on or before the date of the next General Election. Learn more
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How do I register to Vote in DE?Online: The fastest and easiest way to register is use Delaware’s Online Registration System, ivote.de.gov . Mail: Call the Dept of Elections Sussex County Office at (302) 856-5367 and ask them to mail you an application. DMV: Division of Motor Vehicles registers you to vote when you apply for, renew or update a Drivers license or State ID. At certain government offices: See the Dept of Elections website for detailed information. At community outreach events: when available through the Department of Elections. Learn More
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How do Military and Overseas Citizens register to vote?Military and overseas citizens can fill out an application using Delaware's Online Registration System or at the Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP WEB Site and then mail, email or fax the application to the Department's Office for their county.
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For the State Primary Election what is the deadline to register to vote?For the 2024 State Primary Election the deadline to register to vote is August 17th by 11:59 pm. The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. Voter registration applications submitted via the voter portal, ivote.de.gov, by the deadline, or received by mail by the Department and postmarked by the deadline, will be considered to be submitted by the deadline. Learn more at Voter Registration
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For the General Election what is the deadline to register to vote?For the 2024 General Election the deadline to register to vote is October 12th at 11:59 pm. The voter registration deadline is the 4th Saturday before a Primary and General Election. Voter registration applications submitted via the voter portal, ivote.de.gov, by the deadline, or received by mail by the Department and postmarked by the deadline, will be considered to be submitted by the deadline. Learn more at Voter Registration
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What is Automatic Voter Registration?Pursuant to Delaware law (15 Del. C. § 2050A), every person (1) who completes an in-person or online application for the issuance or renewal of their Delaware Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit, or State Identification Card, or (2) who completes an in-person or online application to change their name or address on these documents, and (3) who is not already registered to vote, is of sufficient age, and whose citizenship status has been confirmed by the Division of Motor Vehicles, is automatically registered to vote by the Department of Elections. Learn more at Automatic Voter Registration
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Do I have to be registered to vote for the School Board Election?No.
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How do I verify if I'm registered and for what party?You can verify your registration information by using the IVOTE tool provided by the Department of Elections.
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How do I update my registration information?Online: The fastest and easiest way to update to your registration information is use the Delaware’s Online Registration System, ivote.de.gov. Mail: Call the Dept of Elections Sussex County Office at (302) 856-5367 and ask them to mail you an application. DMV: Division of Motor Vehicles can update your registration information when you apply for, renew or update a Drivers license or State ID. At certain government offices: See the Dept of Elections website for detailed information. At community outreach events: when available through the Department of Elections. Learn More
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When I change my address with the Post Office does it automatically change my voter registration information?No.
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How do I change my party?Online: The fastest and easiest way to change your party is to use the Delaware’s Online Registration System, ivote.de.gov . Mail: Call the Dept of Elections Sussex County Office at (302) 856-5367 and ask them to mail you an application. DMV: Division of Motor Vehicles can update your party when you apply for, renew or update a Drivers license or State ID. At certain government offices: See the Dept of Elections website for detailed information. At community outreach events: when available through the Department of Elections. Learn More Go To ivote.de.gov for Registration Lookup & Absentee Ballot Requests and Polling Location Search
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For the State Primary what's the deadline to change my party?The deadline to change your party for the 2024 State Primary is May 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: Voters who are automatically registered at DMV by the State Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline of August 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. and have their party listed as No Party-AVR may change their political party affiliation up to and including on State Primary Election Day, September 10, 2024, in order to vote in their party's State Primary Election. Go To ivote.de.gov for Registration Lookup & Absentee Ballot Requests and Polling Location Search
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If I was automatically registered to vote at DMV did they automatically assign me a political party?All voters registered to vote through the AVR process are automatically registered with no party affiliation "No Party AVR”. You can change your party affiliation from No Party AVR to the party of your choice at any time. Go To ivote.de.gov for Registration Lookup & Absentee Ballot Requests and Polling Location Search Learn More on the AVR process
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What is the deadline to change my party for the General Election?You can change your party anytime before the General Election. There is no deadline.
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Can I bring my children with me into the polling place to vote?You may take children 17 years old and younger with you when voting.
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What type of voting machines does Delaware use?On May 14, 2019, Delaware began using Express Vote XL machines. Learn more with this FAQ from the Department of Elections
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The voting machine does not print out a receipt for me showing who I voted for. Can I take a picture of my selections with my phone?Yes. Delaware election law does not provide any restrictions on a voter from taking a photo of their ballot. Numerous court cases in states that do restrict voters from taking pictures of their ballots were decided in favor of the voter anyway. The courts reasoned that “a photo of one’s ballot is constitutionally protected speech.” Therefore, pictures of ballots are allowed. Learn more from this FAQ by the Department of Elections
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Can I talk on my cell phone at the Polling Place?No, because the noise interferes with poll workers and distracts voters. This information is provided by the Department of Elections. For more information, see Voters FAQ's.
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How long can I be in the voting booth?Three (3) minutes. If a poll worker thinks you are taking too long, you may be asked if you need assistance. For additional voting at the polls information from the DOE, see Voting FAQs
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Is there a way someone can find out exactly who I voted for?No. Voted activation cards/paper ballots drop into the secure card container randomly and in no particular order. A voter’s ballot is always anonymous, and a ballot is not able to be associated with an individual voter. Learn more in this FAQ from the Department of Elections
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What is a provisional ballot?A provisional ballot is a last chance ballot, mandated by Federal Law for use in Federal Elections. It is not a ballot of convenience. Poll workers will offer it to you if they cannot confirm that you are eligible to vote in their Election District. Poll Workers will attempt to send you to the correct Election District. Your provisional ballot will NOT count, if: You are at the wrong Election District, your affidavit is not complete, or you vote the wrong party’s ballot in a Primary Election. This information is provided by the Department of Elections, Voting FAQ's.
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Does Delaware require photo ID to vote in State and Federal Elections?When you arrive at a polling place or early voting site in Delaware poll workers ask voters to show proof of identity. Delaware does not require a photo ID to vote in State and Federal Elections. Showing ID expedites the voter check-in process. Delaware does not have a defined list of acceptable forms of identification. If a voter does not show ID, is present in their correct polling place or at an early voting site and appears on the poll list, the voter must fill out a form, called an “Affirmation of Voter Identity” and are then permitted to vote. This information is provided by the Department of Elections. For more voting information see Voting FAQs.
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How does the Department prevent someone from voting twice; in-person and by absentee ballot in the same election?When a voter’s absentee ballot has been received and accepted by the Department, the data on the poll books is updated to indicate the person has already voted. If a person who has already voted by absentee ballot shows up to the polling place to vote in person, they will not be permitted to vote as they have already voted. If a voter has been sent an absentee ballot, the pollbook displays that a ballot has been sent out. When Elections confirms the absentee ballot has not been received and accepted by the Department, the absentee ballot is cancelled, and the voter may vote in-person at the Polling Place. Voting more than once, or even attempting to vote more than once, is voter fraud in Delaware, per Title 15, Del. C. § 5128 and will be prosecuted. The penalties for fraudulent voting, “fined not less than $50 or more than $200, or imprisoned not less than 30 days or more than 2 years, or both.” This information is provided by the Department of Elections. For more, see Voting FAQ's.
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How are election results transmitted and reported?Results are collected from machines into dedicated USB sticks and physically transported to State facilities across Delaware. At these State facilities the USB sticks are read, and results are transmitted through dedicated elections network (non-internet connected) to a centralized repository. Results are consolidated and formatted then saved to a separate external media (USB stick). A report of the unofficial election results is published to our website at https://elections.delaware.gov. This information is provided by the Department of Elections. For more see Voting FAQ's.
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How are election results certified in Delaware?General Election results are certified by the Superior Court of each County acting as the Board of Canvass. They manually count/tabulate votes and declare them as official. This information is provided by the Department of Elections. For more information see Voting FAQ's.
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As a member of the public and a concerned Delaware citizen, am I allowed to attend the Board of Canvass which convenes in the Superior Court of each county two days after General Elections to certify the election?The Delaware Department of Elections has no authority over the Board of Canvass or its operations, intentionally, as it is designed to be the independent canvass of the election results. • Per Code, the Superior Court in each county sits as the Board of Canvass, so they convene the Board and oversee the process. • Please contact the Office of the Prothonotary for the Superior Court of the county with your question. This information is provided by the Department of Elections, for more information see, Voter FAQ's.
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Can I or party representatives observe the counting and tabulation of early votes, absentee votes and the adjudication process?Yes, these processes occur in public meetings. The Department posts notices of these open meetings on the Public Meeting Calendar. This information is provided by the Department of Elections. For more information, see Voter FAQ's.
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How are all the people that verify the machine tapes and counts, absentee counts, and other election materials, selected for the Board of Canvass?The Delaware Department of Elections has no authority over the Board of Canvass or its operations, intentionally, as it is designed to be the independent canvass of the election results. • Per Code, the Superior Court in each county sits as the Board of Canvass, so they convene the Board and oversee the process. • Please contact the Office of the Prothonotary for the Superior Court of the county with your question. This information is provided by the Department of Elections. For more information, see Voter FAQ's.
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How do I volunteer to be one of the vote counters at the Board of Canvass?The Delaware Department of Elections has no authority over the Board of Canvass or its operations, intentionally, as it is designed to be the independent canvass of the election results. • Per Code, the Superior Court in each county sits as the Board of Canvass, so they convene the Board and oversee the process. • Please contact the Office of the Prothonotary for the Superior Court of the county with your question. This information was provided by the Department of Elections. For more information, see Voters FAQ's.
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Where do I find election results?Election results can be found at this Department of Elections website.
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How do I find out about working at the polls?For information about opportunities to work at the polls refer to this Department of Elections website.
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How do I volunteer for Republican candidates during the elections?Volunteer to work with local Republican groups. See the many ways you can make a difference on our Get Involved page.
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How is the Republican party organized in DE?The Delaware GOP is governed by the Chair of the state committee, who is responsible for facilitating the policies set forth in the by-laws of the state Republican party. These by-laws are established through the state Executive Committee, under the state Chair’s direction. The state is broken down into 3 counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex). Due to the number of citizens residing in New Castle County, that county is further sub-divided into three regions (Western, Northern and Colonial). Each of these counties (regions) has a Chair who, in turn, facilitates the operation of the Republican party within the county (region) and reports back to the state through the state Executive Committee. The State Board of Elections has divided the state into 41 Representative Districts and 21 Senatorial Districts. Sussex County, for example, has 10 Representative Districts and 5 Senatorial Districts. Each representative district within the county has a Representative District Chair (RDC) who is charged with knowing the demographics of their district, recruiting Election District Committee persons, arranging voter registration events, knowing the election schedule, and lending guidance and support to current elected officials within the district or those endorsed candidates seeking office. Within each Representative District there are a certain number of Election Districts (polling locations). Each Election District is represented by two Election District Committee persons (EDC’s). It is the EDC’s responsibility to know the party organization and demographics of his/her Election Districts. The EDCs speak to the issues of concern to their constituents through canvassing or other forms of communication.
For more FAQs visit the Delaware Elections website.