We　present　a　three-dimensional　nonlinear　finite　element　formulation　for　dielectric　elastomers.　The　mechanical　and　electrical　governing　equations　are　solved　monolithically　using　an　implicit　time　integrator,　where　the　governing　finite　element　equations　are　given　for　both　static　and　dynamic　cases.　By　accounting　for　inertial　terms　in　conjunction　with　the　Arruda-Boyce　rubber　hyperelastic　constitutive　model,　we　demonstrate　the　ability　to　capture　the　various　modes　of　inhomogeneous　deformation,　including　pull-in　instability　and　wrinkling,　that　may　result　in　dielectric　elastomers　that　are　subject　to　various　forms　of　electrostatic　loading.　The　formulation　presented　here　forms　the　basis　for　needed　computational　tools　that　can　elucidate　the　electromechanical　behavior　and　properties　of　dielectric　elastomers　that　are　used　for　engineering　applications.　(C)　2012　Elsevier　Ltd.　All　rights　reserved.