Official Election Day Hours
For the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, all polling places across the state of Delaware will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. This provides a 13-hour window for registered voters to cast their ballots in person. An election officer will make an announcement 30 minutes before the polls close to alert those who have not yet voted. These hours are consistent across all three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. To avoid potential lines and ensure a smooth process, officials often recommend that voters try to arrive during off-peak times, such as the mid-morning or early afternoon, if their schedules permit.
What If Iām Still in Line at 8 p.m.?
If you are in line to vote by 8 p.m., you have the legal right to cast your ballot. Delaware law ensures that anyone who has
presented themselves to vote and is waiting in the queue at the time of closing must be permitted to vote. Election workers will ensure that the line is marked at 8 p.m. to identify all eligible voters who were present at the deadline. Do not leave the line if you arrive just before the closing time; as long as you are in the queue by 8 p.m., you will get to vote.
What to Bring to the Polls
Delaware does not have a strict photo ID law, but you will be asked to present a form of identification. Accepted forms of ID include a Delaware driver's license or state ID card, a U.S. passport, a signed Social Security card, or a signed credit card with a photo. You can also use a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued check that shows your full name and address. If you do not have identification with you, you can sign an 'affidavit of affirmation' that confirms your identity, and you will be allowed to vote. However, bringing an accepted form of ID can help make the check-in process faster and easier.
How to Find Your Polling Place
Your assigned polling place is based on your registered address. It is crucial to go to your correct location, as you may not be able to cast a regular ballot elsewhere. The Delaware Department of Elections provides an easy-to-use online 'Polling Place Locator' tool. By entering your address into the state's official voter portal, iVote.de.gov, you can quickly find your designated polling site, view a sample ballot, and confirm your registration status. The Department of Elections also mails a polling place card to registered voters, which contains this information.
Consider Voting Early
For those who want to avoid the potential rush on Election Day, Delaware offers a 10-day early voting period. For the 2026 general election, this period runs from Thursday, October 22, through Sunday, November 1, with no voting on Sunday, October 25. Hours vary during this period, so it is important to check the schedule. A major benefit of early voting is convenience; you can cast your ballot at any early voting center within your county of residence, unlike on Election Day when you must go to your specific assigned polling place. The locations for early voting sites are available on the Department of Elections website.
