Bill > HB65

This bill amends Delaware's election laws to move primary elections for statewide, county, and municipal offices to the fourth Tuesday in April (which aligns with the presidential primary date in presidential election years), shifting several related election calendar deadlines. Specifically, the bill changes the deadline for filing candidacy notification from the second Tuesday in July to the fourth Tuesday in February, adjusts the candidate withdrawal deadline to correspond with this new date, and modifies associated administrative requirements such as filing fee notifications and candidate qualification determinations. The bill also standardizes the period during which voters cannot change their political party affiliation to 59 days before the primary election, which matches existing rules for presidential primaries. Political party chairs must now notify the State Election Commissioner about filing fees by February 1 instead of July 1, and candidates must complete criminal background checks earlier in the election cycle. Candidates for statewide, General Assembly, or county offices must have their qualifications determined by March 15, instead of the previous August 1 deadline. These changes will become applicable to all primary elections after December 31, 2026, giving election officials and political parties time to prepare for the new schedule.

Government Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141901