In Delaware, no ID required on Election Day
When compared with some other states, Delaware’s voter identification laws are pretty good, a voting-rights advocate says.
“I think the laws are working, and there haven’t been any problems,” said Common Cause Delaware Chair Claire Snyder-Hall.
In Delaware, for the upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 8 election, voters do not have to show proof of identification before being allowed to vote, but according to the Delaware Department of Elections website, showing an ID makes checking in faster and reduces mistakes. If no ID is shown, a form must be filled out before a person can vote.
Acceptable forms of ID include a Delaware driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport, signed polling place or Social Security card, a signed vehicle registration, a signed credit card with photo, or similar document that identifies the person by photo or signature.
Children 17 years old and younger are allowed in the voting booth while voting.
Cell phone use is not allowed in the voting booth, because the noise interferes with poll workers and distracts other voters, the website notes.
According to Delaware code, voters are allowed three minutes in a voting booth. After that, a poll worker may ask if assistance is needed. State code also forbids voters wearing items about a candidate in a polling location.
As recently as this past legislative session, the state’s voter registration laws have changed.
In July, Gov. Jack Markell signed into law Senate Bill 242, restoring the voting rights of people with felony convictions who have completed their prison sentences but have not yet fully paid fines and fees.
“Voting is one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans, and while everyone should pay up, these financial barriers should never be a reason individuals are unable to participate in our democracy,” said Markell, during the bill signing.
Prior to the passage of SB 242, Delaware had been one of only three states requiring a felon to pay financial obligations before allowing them to vote.
Snyder-Hall said Common Cause supported this bill, and, she said, the organization also supports legislation allowing same-day voter registration. Common Cause is all about the democratic process and opening it up to as many people as possible, she said.
In 2013, House Bill 10 amended the Delaware constitution to remove a five-year waiting period before convicted felons could vote.
The deadline to register in Delaware is Saturday, Oct. 15. There are two ways to register – at the Department of Elections, 119 N. Race St., Georgetown, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and ivote.de.gov, which allows for registration until midnight.
Look for the Cape Gazette’s comprehensive 2016 Election Guide in the Friday, Oct. 28 edition.
