Voting Rights

for Delaware Transition-Age Youth and Their Families

Alternative formats and additional downloads:

• Voting Rights Transition Guide(PDF)
• Text Only Voting Rights Guide (Word)
• Voter Rights Card People with Disabilities Delaware (PDF)
• The Right to Vote in Delaware brochure (PDF)
• People with Disabilities want to vote 2014 (PDF)

Introduction

The transition from childhood to adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. There are many things to keep in mind as you (or your child) approach adulthood. While it is never too late to plan for the future, we recommend that you start thinking about and preparing for the transition to adulthood early in the teenage years.

This guide provides information to help you learn to advocate for yourself. It provides an overview of voting rights in Delaware.  This guide does not cover every topic related to voting rights that you might encounter, but is here to offer you some insight into some common issues.  Each individual’s situation is unique and this guide is not intended to constitute legal advice on your specific circumstances.

Please use this table of contents to navigate to sections of this guide that are of interest to you:

Table of Contents

The Importance of Voting

Voting Rights Laws

1. Delaware Voter Requirements – Who Can Vote

   • Voting rights of individuals with mental disabilities; individuals with legal guardians
   • Voting and criminal convictions

2. Federal Voting Rights Laws

   • Help America Vote Act of 2002
   • Voting Rights Act of 1965
   • Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984
   • Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Registering to Vote

1. Individuals who are homeless or without a fixed residence

2. Registering as a member of a political party

3. If you move

Absentee Ballots

Election Day – Basic Information

1. Polling place hours and locations

2. Identification

ivote.de.gov

Accessibility and Accommodations on Election Day

1. Polling Place Accessibility

2. Assistance in the Polls

   • Voters with physical or mobility disabilities
   • Voters with cognitive and intellectual disabilities
   • Voters with visual, hearing, or communication disabilities
   • Voters with service animals
   • Voters who desire assistance by another person

Remedies if you are Denied the Right to Vote

1. Provisional ballots

2. Filing an administrative complaint

3. Where to get legal help if you are denied the right to vote

More Information – Voting

Community Legal Aid Society Contact Information

Current as of September 2014