SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS 2026

YOUR VOICE. YOUR SCHOOLS. YOUR VOTE.

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Delaware needs leaders who will listen, lead, and act in the best interest of our students, communities, and families. School boards hold this power, and on May 12th, 2026 YOU can make your voice heard.

Less than 5% of voters participate in school board elections, so each and every one makes a difference.

We all play a part in improving public schools.

On May 12th, let’s show up at the polls to create a better future for students across the state.

  • Election Day: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
    Polling Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

    The polling places for school board elections differ from the general election polling places. Be sure to check to check the district polling places. It doesn’t have to be the one closest to your home. Often it could be at a school.

    Find your information here:

  • To vote in Delaware’s school board elections, you must:

    • Be a U.S. citizen

    • Be a Delaware resident living in the school district holding the election

    • Be 18 years or older on or before Election Day

    You do not need to be registered to vote in a school board election.

  • The following districts will hold elections on May 12, 2026:

    • Appoquinimink

    • Caesar Rodney

    • Christina

    • Colonial

    • Delmar

    • Milford

    • Red Clay

    The following districts do NOT have elections this year:

    • Brandywine

    • Cape Henlopen

    • Capital

    • Indian River

    • Lake Forest

    • Laurel

    • Seaford

    • Smyrna

    • Woodbridge

    Note: If your district does have an election, you can vote in all races in that district, no matter what nominating district you live in — except in Indian River, where you must live in Nominating District 1.

  • Voters must show proof of identity and address, such as:

    • A state-issued photo ID

    • A utility bill

    • A paycheck

    • Any government document with your name and address

    Don't have any of these? No problem — you can sign an affidavit confirming your identity at the polls.

  • Delaware allows absentee voting for specific circumstances, including:

    • Military service or public service outside the U.S.

    • Students or caregivers

    • Illness, disability, or religious obligations

    • Incarceration or vacation

    To request an absentee ballot:

    • Go to ivote.de.gov

    • Download and return a paper form

    • Call or email the Department of Elections

    • Visit your county Department of Elections office

    Deadlines:

    • By mail: Absentee ballots must be mailed by Friday, May 8

    • In person: Ballots available at the Elections Office until noon on Monday, May 11

    • Return by: Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on May 12

    Don’t miss your chance to vote—plan ahead and make your voice heard. Learn more: elections.delaware.gov/voter/absentee

  • You can vote absentee in person:

    • Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    • Monday, May 11: From 8:30 a.m. until noon

    Visit your county Department of Elections office and bring valid ID.

  • Voting is your right — and it must be accessible.

    You have the right to:

    • Vote privately and independently

    • Vote at a physically accessible polling place

    • Use an accessible voting machine

    • Receive assistance from anyone you choose (except employers or union reps)

    • Request accommodations from poll workers

    If your polling place isn’t accessible, call your local Department of Elections before Election Day to arrange another way to vote.

    Need language assistance?

    • Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682)

    • Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US (1-844-925-5287)

    • Asian languages: 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683)

    Disability-related questions?
    Contact: Nina Kegelman
    Voting Rights Advocate, CLASI

    nkegelman@declasi.org | 📞 302-856-2027

  • Machines offer:

    • Adjustable height for seated or standing use

    • Sip-and-puff device compatibility

    • Audio ballots with volume/speed control

    • Braille keypads and large/high-contrast text

    • Screen privacy options

    • If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line; you can still vote.

    • If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.

    • If machines are down, request a paper ballot.