What are the legal requirements for absentee voting?
In Delaware, absentee voting is an option for those who cannot make it to the polls on Election Day. There are several legal requirements for those wishing to vote absentee. First, a Delaware resident must have a valid excuse for why they cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, such as being out of the state, having medical issues, or being confined to a nursing home. Those under the age of 18 may also vote absentee if they are registered. Second, an individual must have registered at least 15 days in advance of Election Day. Absentee ballots must be requested in writing no later than 4:30 pm on the Tuesday before Election Day. The request may need to include the applicant’s name, address, proof of legal age or other specified information. Third, the absentee ballot must be received by the elections office no later than 8:00 pm on Election Day in order to count. A Delaware resident may submit their completed absentee ballot in person or mail it in. Those sending their ballots through mail must ensure they include both the signed certificate and the ballot envelope sealed with their own signature. Lastly, the election official must have the absentee ballot and envelope delivered to the Department of Elections in Dover no later than 12:00 pm (noon) of the Thursday after Election Day. These are some of the legal requirements for absentee voting in Delaware. The best advice is for Delaware residents wishing to vote absentee to complete all steps as early as possible. This will give the necessary time for the elections office to receive the request and send the ballot, as well as enough time for the voter to return their ballot in time for it to count on Election Day.
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