DOVER – Less than a month before Delaware’s 2026 Primary Election, Governor Matt Meyer signed legislation updating the existing crime of “breach of peace or violence on election day.
Sponsored by Representative Eric Morrison and Senator Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 301 makes it unlawful to use of any violence, threats of violence, or breach the peace at or near a polling place, a Department of Elections office, a meeting of the Board of Canvass, or any other place where votes are cast, stored, read or counted, or make any attempt to hinder, control, coerce, or intimidate any qualified elector from exercising their right to vote.
Violators will be charged with a class G felony.
“Department of Elections employees, poll workers, voters, and campaign volunteers should not be subject to violence or threats of violence,” said Rep. Eric Morrison, Prime Sponsor of HB 301.
“No one should fear participating in democracy. No one should ever attempt to hinder, control, coerce, or intimidate any voter. People died for our right to vote. We must protect that right in every way we can.”
The 2020 election brought an unprecedented increase in voter intimidation and threats of violence across the United States. A survey of hundreds of local election officials, conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice in 2026, found that 32% have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse because of their job, 52% are concerned about the safety of their colleagues, and 23% are concerned about being assaulted at home or at work.
In 2024, it was found that 92% of local election officials have taken steps to increase election security for voters, election workers, and election infrastructure since 2020.
“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and in Delaware, we’re going to fight like hell to protect it,” said Governor Matt Meyer.
“At a time when the federal government is working to undermine our elections and erode trust in our democratic institutions, we have a responsibility to stand up for every voter and for the dedicated election workers who make free and fair elections possible.”
Delaware’s 2026 Primary Election takes place on September 15. The General Election takes place on November 3.
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