Delaware § 5514 - Rejected ballots.
Full text of Delaware Delaware Code § 5514 — Rejected ballots., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5514. Rejected ballots.
(a) No vote shall be accepted or counted if:
(1) The statement of the absentee voter that appears on the front of the ballot envelope is found to have been altered or is not signed; or
(2) The absentee voter is not a duly registered elector in this State; or
(3) The ballot envelope is open; or
(4) It is evident that the ballot envelope has been opened and resealed;
(5) It is evident that the ballot envelope has been tampered with or altered.
(b) If the ballot envelope has not been opened at the time an absentee judge decides that the offered ballot contained therein should not be accepted or voted for any of the reasons set forth in subsection (a) of this section, it shall not be opened but shall instead be endorsed thereon as, “REJECTED,” giving reason therefore.
(c) If the ballot envelope has been opened at the time an absentee judge decides that the offered ballot contained therein should not be accepted or voted for any of the reasons set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the ballot shall be returned to its ballot envelope and the absentee judge shall endorse on the ballot envelope, “REJECTED,” giving reason therefore.
(d) Whenever it is made to appear by due proof to an absentee judge that any absentee voter, who has marked and forwarded the absentee voter’s ballot, has died, the ballot envelope containing the ballot shall not be opened but shall be marked “REJECTED, DEAD,” and shall be preserved and disposed of as other rejected ballots.
(e) Whenever a ballot has not been counted but has been rejected pursuant to this section, the appropriate notation shall be made on the absentee ballot tally and the number of ballots so rejected shall be noted on the certificates of election.
(f) Ballots rejected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in a carrier envelope for the election district to which they apply.
15 Del. C. 1953, § 5518; 50 Del. Laws, c. 173, § 8; 58 Del. Laws, c. 215, § 38; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 75 Del. Laws, c. 149, § 1; 81 Del. Laws, c. 106, § 7;Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware § 5514
What does Delaware Code § 5514 cover?
Section 5514 ("Rejected ballots.") is part of the Delaware Code, the codified statutory law of Delaware. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Delaware § 5514?
A common citation format is "Delaware Code § 5514" (Delaware). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Delaware law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Delaware official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Delaware attorney.
How does Delaware § 5514 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Delaware can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.