38th & Statewide Voting Update: What Do the Numbers Show So Far Today?

October 22, 2026

38th District and Southern Delaware Republican Club

It's the first day of early voting, and the initial numbers in the 38th show registered Democrats leading Republicans in both absentee and early in-person voting, despite Republicans having more than 4,000 additional registered voters in the 38th District.

Here's where things stand according to today's Election Voted List in the 38th:

What Stands Out?

First, in the 38th, Republicans have a registration advantage of 4,059 voters. There are 11,562 registered Republicans compared with 7,503 registered Democrats in the 38th District.

Second, Democrats lead in absentee voting by 147 voters. So far, 433 registered Democrats and 286 registered Republicans have been recorded as voting absentee.

Third, Democrats also lead in early in-person voting by 115 voters. On the first day of early voting, the report shows 782 Democrats compared with 667 Republicans.

Finally, the overall participation difference is significant. So far, 16.2% of registered Democrats have voted, compared with 8.2% of registered Republicans. That's nearly twice the participation rate.

What's Going on Statewide

Democrats lead in both raw numbers and participation rates. The highest participation rates are concentrated in several districts. RDs 4, 14, 20, and 38 all show Democratic participation above 15%. We will need to follow these numbers and whether the participation gap is widening or narrowing each day.

What Happens Next?It's only the first day of early voting, and these numbers will continue changing as more voters participate. Early voting continues through November 1, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Want to Help?

Email me at info@38thdrcp.com

Sources: Delaware Department of Elections, October 1, 2026 Voter Registration Report and October 22, 2026 General Election Voted List. The approximately 1 p.m. cutoff is assumed, not independently confirmed.