DOVER, Del. – A potential shift in Delaware’s primary election schedule passed with overwhelming support in the State House of Representatives on Tuesday. House Bill 65 (HB 65) moves the primary date for statewide, county, and municipal offices to the fourth Tuesday in April, aligning it with the presidential primary in election years. The bill aims to streamline the electoral calendar and increase voter turnout by consolidating major election dates. Along with the date change, HB 65 also adjusts several key deadlines, including those for submitting and withdrawing candidacy notifications, filing fee notices, and background checks for candidates.
Additionally, the bill updates Delaware’s “closed” voter registration period, which restricts changes in political affiliation, to 60 days prior to the primary. This aligns with the same restriction already in place for presidential primaries under state law. The legislation passed with 39 votes in favor, and only Rehoboth Beach Democrat Claire Snyder-Hall (District 14) voting against it. Milton-area Representative Stell Parker Selby (District 20-D) did not vote, continuing her absence from the General Assembly. The changes will take effect during Delaware’s 2028 election cycle, providing time for political parties, candidates, and voters to prepare. The bill is now under consideration in the State Senate.
