This bill removes the notary requirement for requests for absentee ballots. Delaware is the only state that requires a notary to authorize a voter’s affidavit for an absentee ballot. In some cases, the potential voter may have to pay for the notary and Delaware essentially charges them to vote.
This is a common sense reform even if it is sponsored by a Republican. I am desperately waiting for the reintroduction of No Excuse Absentee Voting legislation, or even better, a full Vote by Mail system in Delaware. We all must make voting easier.
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ABSENTEE VOTING.
UPDATED: 6/22/17
SPONSORS: Yearick, Baumbach, Bentz, Bushweller, Dukes, Ennis, Heffernan, Henry, Kowalko, McDowell, Miro, Outten, Paradee, Pettyjohn, D.Short, Simspon, Walsh, Williams
YES VOTES – HOUSE: Baumbach, Bennett, Bentz, Brady, Briggs King, Carson, Collins, Dukes, Gray, Heffernan, Hensley, J.Johnson, Q.Johnson, Jaques, Keeley, Kenton, Kowalko, Longhurst, Matthews, Miro, Mitchell, Mulrooney, Osienski, Outten, Paradee, Postles, Ramone, B.Short, D.Short, Schwartzkopf, Smyk, Spiegelman, Viola, Williams, Wilson, Yearick
YES VOTES – SENATE: Everyone but Townsend and Pettyjohn
NO VOTES – HOUSE: None [Bolden didn’t vote, Hudson, Lynn and Smith were absent].
NO VOTES – SENATE: None [Absent: Townsend, Pettyjohn]
HISTORY: Passed the House 37-0-3-1. Passed Senate with an amendment 19-0-2.
STATUS: House needs to vote again due to Senate Amendment.
Ugh this would be so great if it passes. Bryan Townsend and I (that’s right, I’m not above name dropping) had to drive several minutes out of our way to a very nice couples house who will be away in Florida during the special election just to sign a ballot request form. It was fun, but ridiculous.
Yes, no excuse absentee voting! It is crazy that this far into the 21st century we have to provide an excuse for not being available to vote on Election Day.
Why is the Delaware Democratic Party not in front of this issue and reform, pushing our Assembly Caucus to lead on voting rights/voting reform?
This bill is a step in the right direction for reenfranchising older voters, infirm voters, and voters with disabilities. Not to mention people who have a hard time getting to a bank or travel agent (if they even exist anymore) during standard business hours and the transportationally disadvantaged (lots of overlaps among these categories). I’d love to see no-excuse absentee voting approved.