DOVER – A bipartisan group of lawmakers have filed a bill directing the Delaware Department of Elections to biennially mail a notice to all registered voters regarding polling locations and other election information.
House Bill 82, sponsored by Rep. Krista Griffith, would mandate the notice mailed no later than 30 days before the state primary election.
“The last three years have shown the importance of providing registered voters the most accurate and clear information relative to elections, both primary and general,” said Rep. Griffith, D-Fairfax.
According to Rep. Griffith, in addition to polling place location, the mailed notice as outlined in HB 82 would include the following:
- The dates and times on which the general and any primary election will be held.
- Deadlines for voter registration for each election and for party changes before a primary.
- A brief outline of procedures and requirements and polling places and early voting sites.
Rep. Griffith explained that in addition to offering the registrant important voting information, HB 82 would also direct the Department to follow a procedure in existing Code for attempting to update and verify voting registration records should the notice be returned as undeliverable.
“We have a responsibility to inform voters about how and when to participate in elections at every level,” said Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Dover, and the Senate prime sponsor of HB 82. “This legislation is especially important as the General Assembly continues to pass new laws that increase access to the ballot box.”
HB 82 has been assigned to the House Administration Committee and is under consideration. Rep. Griffith is confident the bill will move quickly from committee to the House for consideration.
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