An Act To Amend Title 15 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Elections.
Impact
One significant change included in the bill is the allowance for absentee ballot processing to begin 30 days before the election, which is a shift from the previous week leading up to the election. This amendment aims to streamline the ballot counting process, especially in light of modern technology, as it clarifies procedures for using electronic scanning and tabulation machinery, ensuring quicker results while maintaining security protocols for handling ballots.
Summary
House Bill 148 aims to amend Title 15 of the Delaware Code concerning the administration of elections, with a focus on improving the process related to absentee ballots. The bill outlines provisions for ensuring that each polling location is adequately supplied on Election Day with necessary materials and details the report requirements after elections. Notably, it mandates that a sufficient number of ballots and supplies be provided to each election district to enhance operational efficiency during elections.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 148 appears generally supportive, particularly from those advocating for efficient electoral processes and improved transparency in absentee voting. While there seems to be an acknowledgment of the need for reforms to adapt to modern electoral practices, there may also be concerns regarding how these changes impact the integrity and security of elections, especially among skeptics of electronic voting and processing systems.
Contention
A notable point of contention within the bill involves the composition of election judges. The bill relaxes previous requirements stipulating that teams be evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, now allowing up to half the judges from any one party. This change has sparked discussion on whether it could open the election process to potential biases or fraud if one party were to dominate election teams. Proponents argue this adjustment respecting broader party representation is a step towards inclusivity and fairness.
To Amend Provisions Of The Law Concerning Obscenity And The Process For Challenging Materials Included In A Library; And To Require A Library To Have A Policy Prohibiting Book Banning In Order To Receive State Funding.