Delaware Early Voting Surges Past 2022 Pace

Just over 129,500 Delawareans have cast early ballots in the 2026 midterm, more than double the same period in 2022.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections

Delaware Early Voting Surges Past 2022 Pace

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Early voting in Delaware's 2026 midterm election has reached just over 129,500 ballots, more than double the level recorded at this point in 2022. Early voters make up about 16% of the state's more than 809,600 registered voters.

Why it matters

The early turnout signals strong engagement ahead of Election Day in a state that did not offer early voting in 2018. Democrats are also fielding candidates in three Sussex County House districts where a Republican has decided to retire.

The Delaware Department of Elections reported 129,500 early ballots, with 49,461 early in-person ballots in New Castle County and 20,357 in Kent County. Democrats account for roughly 53% of early votes statewide, and the final partisan outcome of the early vote remains unsettled until counting concludes.

The players

Delaware Department of Elections

The state agency responsible for administering elections in Delaware and publishing early voting statistics.

The details

Delaware's Department of Elections reported the early voting totals, with Sussex County driving much of the in-person activity by casting about 46% of early ballots. Democrats are fielding candidates in three Sussex County House districts where a Republican decided to retire.

2018: Delaware held no early voting in the last Trump-era midterm.
2022: The last midterm comparison period used for early voting totals.
November 2, 2026: Department of Elections reports final early voting numbers.

Election Context

Delaware did not offer early voting in its 2018 midterm, so the 2026 early-ballot total is measured against a first-generation program. The current early vote is more than double the 2022 pace, placing this cycle's engagement well above the prior midterm.

Delaware voters who have not yet cast a ballot can still vote on Election Day. Early in-person voting has already drawn about 16% of registered voters, showing how the option is shaping participation this cycle.

The takeaway

Early voting has become a major part of how Delawareans participate in midterms, and the 2026 totals show it is quickly becoming routine. Voters who want to track the final numbers can follow the Department of Elections reporting through Election Day.