Presidential Primary Moved to July 7

Governor John Carney has signed a modification to his State of Emergency declaration that reschedules Delaware’s presidential primary, which had been previously moved from April 28 to June 2, to July 7. And this time, the primary election will be conducted entirely by absentee ballot, as he is ordering the Delaware Department of Elections to mail absentee ballot applications to all registered Democrats and Republicans in the State of Delaware so that we can all vote by mail in the presidential primary election.

Now let’s do this for state primary in September and the General Election in November.

“Delawareans have a basic, fundamental right to vote, and these changes will allow all Delaware voters to safely exercise that right,” said Governor Carney. “We are making progress. Delawareans have helped flatten the curve by staying home, and by practicing social distancing when you’re out in public. But this fight isn’t over. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily, and wear a face covering when you do. Wash your hands often. Delawareans should stay vigilant, and stay informed at de.gov/coronavirus.”

Eligible Delaware voters will be permitted to select the “sick” or “temporarily or permanently physically disabled” options on their absentee ballot application to cast a vote in the presidential primary election, even if they are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Voters must return the application to the Delaware Department of Elections or complete the process online to receive an absentee ballot. The Delaware Department of Elections will operate at least six polling places in each county to allow voters to cast ballots in person should they choose not to vote by absentee ballot.

Governor Carney’s order on Thursday also reschedules school board elections for July 21, and places additional requirements on municipalities that are conducting elections. The order requires districts and municipalities to enforce social distancing during elections, require face coverings, and limit crowds to 10 or fewer people at polling places.