I read with dismay in the Cape Gazette the article titled “Early voting deemed unconstitutional.” This decision affects only the general election in November. A former attorney general who litigated the case stated, “It is unfortunate that we have different laws for the general election than for other elections, which may cause some voter confusion.” I was taken aback and reread the article twice more in unbelief. Is it the intent to confuse the voter?
As a senior citizen of Sussex County who, along with many others in advancing years, has enjoyed early voting and absentee voting, it was a shock to learn that our early voting and permanent absentee voting are now unconstitutional. With a deteriorating back that pinches nerves and affects my walking several blocks and standing for more than 15 minutes, it has been so convenient to take advantage of early voting or, when necessary, do an absentee ballot. How curious this ruling comes now in a crucial election year when voting is going to be a large turnout. How curious it is that all the parties involved in bringing this ruling about are Republicans.
If the Republicans plan to file legislation for a constitutional amendment “to correctly implement the form of early voting that Delawareans used in the last election cycle, taking care to address the court’s objections,” why haven’t they done it before this election cycle?
Shame on the initiators Michael Mennella and Sen. Gerald Hocker for bringing this case to court while stating they have no issue with in-person early voting. It clearly is a clever tactic to suppress the vote of older voters and those who are fully employed.
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