Another attempt to move up Delaware’s state primary by several months to coincide with the presidential primary is under consideration by state lawmakers.
The bill, sponsored by state House Rep. Stephanie Bolden, a Wilmington Democrat, advocates for holding primary elections in April instead of September.
While many believe this is a significant departure from First State tradition, others feel changing the date may provide several benefits.
Here’s what the bill entails.
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What’s in the bill?
Introduced on March 6, House Bill 65 would move primary elections to “the fourth Tuesday in April” – the same day as the primary elections during “presidential election years.”
This bill would apply to elections “for statewide office, county office and municipal office,” according to its description. If signed into law, this bill would apply to all primaries after December 31, 2026.
Under the bill, candidates would file for office by or before “the fourth Tuesday in February.”
Additional dates concerning withdrawing one’s candidacy and submitting background checks and filing fees would also be adjusted, according to the bill.
Representative Stephanie T. Bolden (D-2nd) speaks on the first day of the legislative session of the 153rd General Assembly at Legislative Hall in Dover, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
How long has this been an issue?
For Bolden, a staunch advocate of this bill for roughly eight years, the fight for its passage has been ongoing.
She has seen three similar bills passed by the state House but never seen the light of day in the state Senate.
Another similar bill was introduced in May 2024 and ultimately passed in the state House the following June, where it was assigned to the state Senate Executive Committee.
No further action was taken, according to the bill’s entry on the state General Assembly website.
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Primary elections in Delaware are held “the second Tuesday after the first Monday in September,” according to the state Department of Elections website.
What are people saying about the bill?
John Flaherty of Delaware Coalition for Open Government said moving primary election day would help reduce confusion among Delaware voters and “vastly increase” overall turnout.
Flaherty added having “one central location on the calendar” would increase efficiency across the First State.
Jill Itzkowitz of the League of Women Voters of Delaware said moving primary election day to April – at the same time the General Assembly is still in session – could not only “hurt legislation” but also impact those running or considering running for office.
Delawareans line up to vote early at the Claymont Community Center on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
“If you’re challenging someone who’s pretty up there, you need a long time to convince them,” Itzkowitz, who serves as the league’s Election Chair, said, adding how “people are used to our September primary.”
How likely is the bill to pass?
This bill is scheduled to be heard in front of state House Elections & Government Affairs Committee on March 19.
Bolden remains “very optimistic” the bill will make it through this session and will garner further support among fellow lawmakers.
“It’s not about us,” Bolden said. “It should be about the voters.”
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware House considers latest primary election date bill
