In 2023, Delaware prohibited guns in polling places on election day. The state defined “election day” to include early voting and the two hours before and after the polls open and close. Guns are also prohibited in locations where ballots are being counted and canvassed during in-person voting and for 2 hours after.¹

Delaware prohibits knowingly and unlawfully introducing contraband into a detention facility.² The state also prohibits a person confined in a detention facility from knowingly and unlawfully making, obtaining, or possessing contraband.³ In addition, Delaware prohibits furnishing a deadly weapon to any person committed to the jurisdiction of the State Department of Corrections.⁴

Delaware has no statutes prohibiting firearms in the following places, although administrative regulations may apply:

• Parks;
• Hospitals;
• Places of worship;
• Bars or restaurants where alcohol is served;
• Sports arenas;
• Gambling facilities; or
• Polling places.

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1. 2023 HB 202, enacting Del. Code. Ann. tit. 15, , § 1457A.[↩]
2. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1256(1). Contraband is defined by Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1258(3) to include firearms.[↩]
3. A “detention facility” is any place used to confine a person charged with or convicted of an offense or pursuant to court order. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1258.[↩]
4. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 6562A(3).[↩]