NEW CASTLE, Del. — President Joe Biden has participated in early voting for the upcoming general election in 2024.
This occasion carries mixed emotions for Biden, who announced in July that he was ceasing his reelection campaign due to rising health concerns and skepticism among Democrats regarding his potential to defeat former President Donald Trump. On Monday, he voted at a Delaware Department of Elections location, situated conveniently close to his residence just outside Wilmington. The early voting site was bustling with voters, stretching down the street.
While in line, Biden engaged with other voters and assisted an elderly woman in a wheelchair who was ahead of him, demonstrating his approachable demeanor. He waited approximately 40 minutes before casting his ballot.
Upon reaching the front, the president presented his identification to the election worker, signed a form, and the worker announced: “Joseph Biden now voting.” Behind a privacy drape, Biden cast his vote as cheers erupted in the room for several first-time voters receiving their recognition.
Biden, who has spent the majority of his adult life in politics since 1970, is now looking to support a new wave of Democratic leaders. Notably, this includes three candidates on the Delaware ballot aiming to make history.
Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden endorsed after stepping back from the race, aspires to be the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to assume the presidency.
State Senator Sarah McBride is on a quest to become the first openly transgender individual elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. McBride has close ties to the Biden family and has previously worked as an aide during Barack Obama’s presidency. She was also part of Biden’s son Beau’s campaigns for Delaware attorney general in the mid-2000s and has served in various capacities for former Delaware Governor Jack Markell.
McBride is seeking to take over the seat of Democratic Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, who is aiming to become Delaware’s first Black woman in the U.S. Senate. Blunt Rochester has been Delaware’s sole representative in the House since 2017.
On the day of voting, Biden enjoyed breakfast with Blunt Rochester, who comes from a family he has known for decades. He campaigned alongside her father, Theodore “Ted” Blunt, who served on the Wilmington City Council for nearly 25 years, including a term as president. On Sunday evening, Biden formally endorsed Blunt Rochester through a campaign video, referring to her as “Delaware through and through.”
Blunt Rochester is running to fill the position of Senator Tom Carper, who has held the Senate seat since 2001 and is stepping down from his role, leaving a prominent vacancy in the traditionally Democratic state.
Early voting in Delaware commenced on Saturday, marking the beginning of an important election cycle.