A Delaware constitutional amendment that would ensure absentee voting is available to all qualified voters passed the Senate again April 14, advancing a measure supporters say removes unnecessary barriers to casting a ballot.

Under current law, absentee voting is limited to voters who cannot cast a ballot in person for specific reasons, including disability, illness, religion, military service or caregiving.

The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Darius Brown, would establish an “absolute right” to vote absentee, allowing voters to request a ballot without providing an excuse. The proposal followed a 2022 Delaware Supreme Court ruling that struck down the broad use of absentee voting in the state.

A House amendment to the bill introduced by Rep. William Bush would remove permanent absentee status from the legislation, requiring ballot requests for each election. Permanent absentee status allowed voters unable to vote in person – including those with disabilities, in the military or living overseas – to automatically receive a ballot. That amendment cleared the House floor March 26.

On April 14, the adjusted amendment cleared the Senate with 14 lawmakers in favor, 5 against and 2 absent.   

The bill already passed the Senate last year. However, given legislative rules, the bill was sent back to its original chamber to consider the House amendment.  

A closer look: Efforts to protect absentee, early voting in Delaware clear House

Because this is a first-leg amendment, it will also require passage in the next, all-new General Assembly to make it to the state’s constitution.    

Brown has also backed a related amendment that would permit early, in-person voting in primaries as well as general and special elections. Under the proposal, early voting would begin 10 calendar days before an election. 

The amendment cleared both the Senate and the House, and like its legislative sibling, will also need the approval of the next General Assembly.  

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.