DOVER, Del. — A proposed constitutional amendment introduced Tuesday in the Delaware General Assembly would open the door to same-day voter registration across the state.
House Bill 88, sponsored by Rep. Bill Bush and Sen. Kyra Hoffner, seeks to give lawmakers the power to set voter registration laws without a deadline before an election—clearing the path for people in Delaware to register and vote in a single trip.
“Same-day registration has been successfully implemented in several states for decades and has proven to increase voter turnout safely and effectively,” Bush said.
The measure follows a 2022 Delaware Supreme Court ruling that struck down a previous law permitting same-day registration, stating the change required a constitutional amendment. HB 88 is designed to address that ruling by explicitly authorizing the General Assembly to allow same-day registration.
If passed, the bill would amend the state constitution to remove the current requirement that voter registration close on the fourth Saturday before an election. It would also direct lawmakers to ensure any future voter registration laws include safeguards for accuracy and integrity, including valid photo identification or documentation verifying a voter’s name and address.
“In navigating today’s fast-paced society, allowing for an amendment like this would take down any extra barriers Delaware must overcome to remain active civic participants,” Hoffner said. “As legislators, we want all Delawareans to be able to cast their vote and let their voices be heard.”
Currently, 23 states and Washington, D.C. offer same-day voter registration.
House Bill 88 has been assigned to the House Administration Committee for consideration.