DELAWARE: VOTE BY MAIL FOR SECURE ELECTIONS IN 2020

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR DELAWARE ELECTIONS OFFICIALS

Full Action Packet for Vote By Mail in Delaware

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE

Sightline’s state-by-state guides are designed to give local election officials and legislators the information they need to identify and take the most important steps to get ready for November. Each set of state-specific resources includes best practices and established models from around the country, including practical nuts and bolts advice for clerks, materials from election administrators with experience conducting all mail elections, and information about vendors and costs.

How Delaware is prepared for Vote By Mail

  • Provides a postage-prepaid return envelope for mailed ballots.
  • Ballot tracking required by state law.
  • Is a member of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).
  • Uses voters’ signatures to verify ballots.
  • Allows voters to register and request an absentee ballot online.
  • Allows anyone to return sealed ballots in person.

RECOMMENDED STEPS FOR SECURE ELECTIONS

Within each section, recommendations are arranged roughly in order of importance and ease of implementation.

For Local Election Officials
  • Coordinate with USPS.
  • Design ballots and envelopes that are easy to use.
  • Implement robust signature verification.
  • Provide secure drop boxes.
  • Provide Election Day vote centers for in-person voting.
  • Consider using a professional printer and ballot sorter.
  • Count ballots at a secure centralized facility.
  • Invest in high-speed centralized equipment.
For Delaware’s Secretary of State
  • Mail absentee application forms to all registered voters.
  • Give voters sufficient opportunity to cure signature problems.
For Lawmakers
  • Allow any voter to request an absentee ballot.
  • Account for voters with nontraditional addresses.
  • Give voters a “single sign-up” option.
  • Allow counties to start processing envelopes early.
  • Allow counties to accept ballots postmarked on Election Day.
  • Allow voters to request replacement ballots online.
  • Allow early in-person voting options.
  • Automatically register voters and update their address.

Download the full Delaware action packet, with detailed information for each recommendation.

Delaware's Grade for Vote By Mail preparedness = D

Our grading system: We evaluated each state on 16 factors, covering access, administration efficiency, security, and infrastructure.

Full Action Packet for Vote By Mail in Delaware

send this resource to delaware’s secretary of state:

Douglas Denison, douglas.denison@delaware.gov

send this resource to delaware’s director of elections:

Anthony Albence, anthony.albence@delaware.gov

Contact us

We welcome your questions and feedback. Email Kristin Eberhard, director of Sightline’s Democracy research program. Press inquires, contact Anna Fahey.

Photos: Vote By Mail in Delaware. Shutterstock.