Ellendale, Delaware Public Records

Visitation at the institution requires advance scheduling, and specific rules governing visits are posted on the facility's website. Delaware's bond and bail system allows for pretrial release under various conditions, with information about recent bookings and arrests accessible through the correctional facility's public resources.

The Delaware State Police offers fingerprinting services and access to statewide criminal records, so that Sussex County residents have the resources needed to obtain accurate background information.

Residents researching ownership history or chains of title can visit the Recorder's office to examine and obtain certified copies of recorded documents. Both offices provide essential services for homeowners, prospective buyers, and anyone conducting due diligence on local real estate.

Registration must be completed at least 24 days before an election to vote in it. Online registration requires a Delaware driver's license number or Delaware identification card number; those without either document must register by mail or in person. Eligibility requirements include U.S. Citizenship, Delaware residency, being at least 18 by the next election, and not being mentally incompetent by court declaration or disqualified by felony conviction unless rights have been restored. The Town of Ellendale conducts separate municipal elections for mayor and four council members who serve staggered terms. These elections typically occur on the third Saturday in April during odd-numbered years. Candidate filing and specific election dates are posted at Town Hall, and on public notices around town. Municipal elections operate independently from county and state contests. Candidates file at Town Hall according to the charter's schedule, usually 30 to 60 days before voting day. Being a small municipality, turnout typically amounts to a few hundred votes. Information about local candidates and any ballot questions can be obtained from Town Hall or publicly posted notices. For state and federal elections, residents find their assigned polling place using the Delaware Polling Place Lookup tool at https://ivote.de.gov/VoterView, which searches by name and date of birth or address. Voters in town typically cast ballots at Ellendale Fire Hall or other nearby locations depending on precinct lines. Delaware offers no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without stating a reason. Applications are available at https://elections.delaware.gov/pubs/abdapp.shtml and must reach the Sussex County Department of Elections by the Friday before the election. Completed absentee ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day to count. Under Title 15 of the Delaware Code, voter registration lists are public records available for political purposes but cannot be used for commercial solicitation. The Delaware Department of Elections maintains statewide data while the Sussex County office provides local information. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the Delaware Public Integrity Commission and available at https://pip.delaware.gov/. Precinct-level election results, including vote totals for candidates and ballot questions, are posted by the county after certification. Sussex County recorded approximately 68% turnout among registered voters in the November 2024 presidential election, with over 100,000 ballots cast countywide. The county historically leans Republican in federal and state races, though individual precinct results can vary. On November 3, 2026, residents will participate in midterm elections that determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Delaware's single at-large U.S. House seat will be on the ballot. The U.S. Senate Class II seat is not up in 2026, having been last elected in 2020 with the next contest in 2026. State legislative races will include the 37th Representative District and 20th Senatorial District, though boundaries remain subject to verification based on redistricting. Depending on the cycle, Sussex County Council seats may also appear on the ballot. Delaware's governor is elected in presidential years, making the next gubernatorial election 2028, not 2026. Municipal elections in odd-numbered years mean the next town contest will likely occur in April 2027, separate from the November 2026 general election. Voters seeking information about 2026 candidates, ballot questions, or procedures should contact the Sussex County Department of Elections beginning in late 2025 when candidate filing opens and materials become available.