Speak Up: Bill would remove separate registration rule for municipal elections
Posted
Many cities and towns in Delaware require voters to be registered not just with the state but also with the municipality. This rule has been abolished by some cities and towns, but in many of the 57 municipalities in the First State, voter turnout is essentially artificially suppressed. Many people are unaware of the additional check and remain so until they arrive at their polling places for a municipal election, at which point it’s too late. Legislation set to be introduced by Rep. Bryan Shupe, R-Milford, in the coming weeks would enable Delaware voters to participate in local elections without needing to sign up with their town or city first.
- I agree with a single registration for all elections and referendums. If you live in Milford and are a registered voter, no matter whether it is a state election or a local election/referendum, registering once should be sufficient. — Cynthia Sammons
- I could not agree more. I moved here from Pennsylvania, where they have one election day for everything. One registration, etc. — Hannah
- Great to see! — James King Sr.
- Thank you, Bryan Shupe. — Shawn Ray
- Our town has an election for council every year. Three seats are up on the even year, and two seats are up on the odd year, each two-year terms. Only people who live in town can vote. There is a registration book at the town meeting every month. Each person that votes is checked on the town list of registered voters. People outside the town limits are not allowed to vote in our town election. It would only confuse things. — Bob Mc Devitt
- Just out of curiosity then: How does a voter prove residency/eligibility to cast their vote in a particular election? — Chris Ostrom
- It seems like you have to register to vote with the state and then register with the town, even if you are already registered with the state. This would remove that, so the address should still be local. Someone from Dover couldn’t go and vote in Milford, I would assume. — Beth Gallagher
