Delaware early vote totals double 2022 midterm record

The Delaware Department of Elections reported that 129,500 residents cast ballots before the final count. This figure represents roughly 16% of the state's 809,600 registered voters. The turnout is more than twice the number recorded during the same period in the 2022 midterm election.

Early voting activity has increased sharply in recent cycles. The state did not offer early voting during the 2018 midterm election. Evelyn Brady, chair of the Delaware Democratic Party, said her group has focused its efforts on Sussex County. "We have some candidates running in places that Democratic candidates haven't run for a very long time," Brady said.

Sussex County accounts for the largest share of in-person early votes. Voters there submitted 59,766 ballots. That number equals about 46% of all early in-person votes despite the county holding less than a third of the state's population. New Castle County recorded 49,461 early in-person ballots. Kent County logged 20,357.

The Democratic Party is contesting three House Districts in Sussex County where incumbents have retired. Gregg Lindner challenges Republican Dan Zitofsky in House District 4. Maureen Madden opposes Republican Carlie Carey in District 38. Ryan Stuckey runs against Republican John Atkins in District 41. Republicans currently hold the majority in Sussex County, but the area also contains a large population of independent voters.

Democrats currently make up 53% of the early vote total. The final tally will be determined on Election Day when remaining ballots are counted.