DOVER, Del. — A potential shift in Delaware’s primary elections could occur after HB 65 passed by an overwhelming majority of votes in the State House of Representatives on Tuesday. The legislation moves the primary for statewide, county, and municipal offices to the fourth Tuesday in April, aligning them with the presidential primary during election years.
The bill aims to streamline the electoral calendar and improve voter turnout by consolidating key election dates.
In addition to moving the primary date, the bill adjusts deadlines for:
Submitting and withdrawing candidacy notifications
Providing notice of filing fees
Completing background checks for candidates
The Act also updates the “closed” voter registration period—when voters may not change their political affiliation—to 60 days prior to the primary, matching the restriction already in place for presidential primaries under Delaware law.
39 Representatives voted for HB 65, only Rehoboth Beach Democrat Claire Snyder-Hall (District 14) voted "no." Milton area's Stell Parker Selby (District 20 -D) continued her absence in the General Assembly and did not vote on the bill.
The changes will go into effect for Delaware's 2028 election cycle, giving political parties, candidates, and voters ample time to prepare. The bill is now being considered in the State Senate.