I want to thank the Delaware House of Representatives for passing Senate Bill 2, the first step in a Delaware constitutional amendment that allows early, in-person voting.

In addition, I want to thank our legislators for passing Senate Bill 3, which provides the first step toward guaranteeing the right to vote by absentee ballot without requiring an excuse. These measures take important steps toward making voting simpler, more accessible and more inclusive for older Delawareans.

For many older adults, barriers such as the inability to drive, isolation, long lines or difficulty navigating complex voting procedures can make it harder to participate in elections. These bills help address those challenges by expanding access to convenient voting options, streamlining processes, and ensuring that more voters can cast their ballots safely and independently.

AARP is a nonpartisan organization that does not endorse candidates. However, AARP supports voter-engagement efforts to help older Americans use their political power to influence election outcomes.

Thank you to our lawmakers for recognizing the importance of fair and accessible elections. I now urge the Delaware Senate to support these bills and move them forward. We should all support strengthening access to voting, not only for older Delawareans, but for generations to come.

Lucretia Young
AARP Delaware state director