May 7, 2025

Support Expansion of Voting Rights in Delaware sponsored by ACLU-DE

SDARJ Author Announcement aclu, voting rights

Support Expansion of Voting Rights in Delaware

There are three constitutional amendments in the legislature this year that expand voter accessibility to the ballot box.

SB2 would put early voting into the Constitution. Right now, legislation that passed two years ago is on the books, but its constitutionality was challenged in a lawsuit that was dismissed only because of a standing issue – the parties who brought the suit didn’t have a sufficient stake in the outcome for the courts to rule. Another suit could be brought and, if successful, we could lose the right (and convenience!) of early voting, unless that right becomes part of our Constitution.

SB3 permits absentee voting without an excuse. Currently, the Constitution outlines permissible reasons for absentee voting, such as vacation or military service. Other states permit this with no excuse. It is more commonly known as vote by mail. We used it during the pandemic and it increased voter turnout. Let’s make it part of our Constitution

HB88 authorizes the Legislature to prescribe rules for voter registration. A statute permitting same day registration passed two years ago but was ruled unconstitutional. Let’s let the Legislature set the rules and make it easier for us to register to vote.

Here are some opportunities to learn and get involved, sponsored by ACLU-DE.

From Monday, May 12 – Friday, May 16, we invite you to take part in a week of action dedicated to protecting and expanding the right to vote for all Delawareans. Join us for one or more events during this week for a chance to make your voice heard, take action alongside fellow Delawareans, and help ensure Delaware becomes a beacon of democracy and strong voter engagement.

Please select all events you are interested in attending. You will receive further details closer to the start of the week.

Schedule of Events

Monday, May 12 | 6 – 9 p.m. | VIRTUAL
Kickoff and Phone-banking

6 – 7 p.m.: Learn more about our Every Vote Counts campaign’s legislative priorities, the dangerous and voter-silencing SAVE Act, and how you can get involved with protecting and expanding the right to vote.
7 – 9 p.m.: Join fellow volunteer advocates for a virtual phone-banking encouraging state legislators to pass EVC priority legislation.

Tuesday, May 13 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Appoquinimink Public Library, Middletown
Voting Rights Canvassing

Join for a 2-in-1 canvass to get Delawareans mobilized around EVC priority legislation and ensure they are equipped with the information they need to cast their ballots in Delaware’s 2025 school board elections.

Friday, May 16 | Midday 12-1 p.m. | VIRTUAL
Lunch and Learn: The SAVE Act Unpacked

Grab your lunch and join us for a virtual conversation on the SAVE Act, a federal bill that would create unnecessary new barriers that could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. Learn what’s at stake and how you can help protect the right to vote.