**Biden Participates in Early Voting Amid Historic Election Season for Delaware Democrats**

NEW CASTLE, Del. — Former President Joe Biden stepped out to vote early for the 2024 general election, marking a poignant moment in this political season. The ex-president ended his reelection campaign in July due to health concerns and mounting worries within the Democratic Party over his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump.

Biden cast his ballot on Monday at the Delaware Department of Elections near his home outside Wilmington. The early voting site saw a long queue, with voters lining up down the street. As he waited for about 40 minutes, Biden interacted with fellow voters and lent a hand to an elderly woman in a wheelchair.

Upon reaching the front of the line, Biden presented his identification and signed a form before an election worker announced, "Joseph Biden now voting." The room buzzed with excitement, particularly when first-time voters were celebrated with cheers.

Asked about the prospects for his party, Biden expressed optimism, saying, "I think we will," referring to the chances of Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, securing wins in the upcoming elections.

For most of his political career, which began in 1970, Biden has been either holding office or actively campaigning. This year, however, his focus is on supporting a newer generation of Democrats. Harris, endorsed by Biden after he exited the race, aspires to make history as the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to become president.

Additionally, State Sen. Sarah McBride is attempting to become the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House. McBride, a longstanding ally of the Biden family, has a record of service as an aide within the Obama administration and on the campaign trail for the president's late son Beau Biden. She is seeking to succeed Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware’s sole House representative since 2017, who is herself aiming to become the state’s first Black woman in the U.S. Senate.

Biden also made an endorsement for Blunt Rochester, with whom he shares deep roots. He recorded a campaign video for her, praising her as “Delaware through and through.” Blunt Rochester is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Carper, a position he has held since 2001.

Early voting in Delaware kicked off on Saturday, as the state gears up for an election season full of historic firsts.