What Delaware voters need to know on Election Day

By Joseph Edelen
Posted 11/8/22

Election Day is here.

From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, registered voters can visit their designated polling places to cast ballots in the general election. While Delawareans had until Oct. 15 to register after the nullification of the state’s same-day voter registration law, those who participated in the Sept. 13 primary have been automatically registered for the general election.

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What Delaware voters need to know on Election Day

Posted

Election Day is here.

From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, registered voters can visit their designated polling places to cast ballots in the general election. While Delawareans had until Oct. 15 to register after the nullification of the state’s same-day voter registration law, those who participated in the Sept. 13 primary have been automatically registered for the general election.

Further, during the state’s 10-day early-voting period Oct. 28-Nov. 6, citizens had the opportunity to cast ballots ahead of Election Day. According to the Department of Elections, 76,977 had done so, as of Monday at 11 a.m.

Early in-person voting was utilized by 55,532 individuals during the 10-day period, while 21,445 voted via absentee ballot. Of the voters who visited one of their county’s early polling locations, 19,300 were from New Castle County, 8,725 were from Kent County and 27,507 were Sussex residents.

Throughout the state, advance in-person voting was driven by Democrats — 28,731 Democrats have voted early, compared to 16,488 Republicans and 10,313 voters registered to third parties.

This year’s general election features races for several statewide seats, including U.S. House of Representatives, where incumbent Lisa Blunt Rochester is challenged by Republican Lee Murphy and four third-party candidates; attorney general, where incumbent Kathy Jennings is facing Republican Julianne Murray; state treasurer, where incumbent Colleen Davis is up against Republican Greg Coverdale; and auditor of accounts, with political newcomers Lydia York, a Democrat, and Janice Lorrah, a Republican, squaring off.

The ballot will also contain races for every seat in the state House of Representatives and Senate, as a result of redistricting. That includes the new 4th Representative District, which encompasses parts of Lewes, Long Neck and Millsboro. The district formerly included parts of Wilmington but the redrawing process ultimately moved it to Sussex to accommodate that county’s continuous growth.

While each of the Delaware legislature’s 62 seats are up for grabs, 14 incumbent representatives and 11 incumbent senators have no opponent Tuesday.

At the polls, Delawareans will be asked to show proof of identity before casting their ballots. To ensure a smooth experience, the Department of Elections encourages voters to bring their photo IDs, though other forms of identification include U.S. passports, signed polling place cards, Social Security cards, signed vehicle registrations, signed credit cards with a photo or “a similar document that identifies the person by photo or signature.” While showing an ID is not mandatory, those who choose not to will be required to fill out a form prior to voting.

Voters should prepare for any potential Election Day delays at their respective polling places, which could lead to long lines and standing for an extended period. Luckily, there is no rain in the forecast, and temperatures are expected to be moderate statewide. Each of the three counties has an estimated high of 58 degrees during the midafternoon and a low of about 45, which is set for right when polls open at 7.

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