New bill would add primary process to Delaware special election law

Future special elections in the Delaware General Assembly would include a primary process, under a bipartisan bill introduced Thursday.

Under the measure (House Substitute 1 for House Bill 183), the primary would be scheduled 35 to 40 days after the State Election Commissioner issues a writ of election in the event of a vacancy. Provisions are also included to prevent conflicts with regularly scheduled primaries in an election year.

“Representative governments work best when voters are part of the process at every stage. No matter the circumstances around a vacancy, the decision about who fills it should be entirely up to the people,” Representative Mara Gorman, D-Newark, Pike Creek, North Star said. “This bill helps to make sure that’s always the case by creating an inclusive and transparent primary process for special elections.”

“I am proud to partner with Representative Gorman on this bipartisan effort to improve how our state fills legislative vacancies,” Senator Eric Buckson, R- Dover said. “By clarifying and modernizing the special election process, we are strengthening transparency, protecting voter access, and ensuring Delawareans are represented in a timely and orderly manner.”



https://www.wdel.com/news/new-bill-would-add-primary-process-to-delaware-special-election-law/article_5489d5e4-afd8-44f2-9363-55f2fdab3b46.html