Enacts State of the State proposal to remove financial bar to voting

Wilmington, DE – Today, at the Achievement Center in Wilmington, Governor Markell signed legislation that removes the financial bar to restoring voting rights for people convicted of felonies who have completed their sentence. The legislation, shepherded through the General Assembly by Senator Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington East) and Representative Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South), will make Delaware one of 40 states that have increased access to the ballot box in recent years and will prevent an individual from being unable to participate in our democracy because of their inability to pay.

“Voting is one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans, and while everyone should pay up, these financial barriers should never be a reason individuals are unable to participate in our democracy,” said Governor Markell. “I’m proud to sign this legislation to enable more individuals to become full members of their communities, and to build on our efforts to have more ex-offenders become productive citizens when their sentences end.”

In his State of the State Address, the Governor called on the legislature to enact this legislation to expand voting rights and to build on the substantial progress the state has already made in ensuring our criminal justice system is more equal, ending discriminatory practices of the past, and empowering individuals reentering society. More information on these efforts can be found here.

In 2013, with House Bill 10, the Delaware General Assembly amended the Delaware constitution to remove a five year waiting period for restoration of voting rights, but Delaware code still required all financial obligations be met before voting rights were restored. Voting promotes participation in our society and enhances social ties. Senate Bill 242 ensures individuals aren’t prevented from exercising that fundamental right.

“Requiring people who have served their time to pay full restitution unfairly disqualified many voters who have a fundamental right to participate in our democracy,” said Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, the lead Senate sponsor of SB 242. “Good faith efforts to pay one’s debt to society should be rewarded with good faith, and that’s what lifting these financial impediments to will do here in Delaware.”

“Delaware took an important step forward a few years ago in abolishing an arbitrary waiting period for regaining voting rights. That bill was the result of years of dedication and unwavering support from former Reps. Al and Hazel Plant,” said Rep. Helene Keeley, the lead House sponsor of SB 242. “This legislation fulfills our goal of restoring voting rights to those who have completed their period of incarceration and should by any other means have the right to vote. Regaining the right to vote is a critical component of reintegrating into society.”

“Disenfranchising people who have served their time is punitive and it stigmatizes people who are taking meaningful steps to turn their lives around,” said Sen. Bryan Townsend. “This legislation doesn’t merely reinstate voting rights, it empowers people and increases the likelihood that they will stay out of prison and contribute to our society in other meaningful ways.”

“Voting for who represents you in government is one of the most liberating, important things you can do as a member of society,” said Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden. “We removed one big hurdle a few years ago, but the current system continues to hamper people’s ability to cast their votes, even as they rejoin society and get their lives back on track. By removing this hurdle, we’ve invited more Delawareans to be part of the process and participate.”

“Giving individuals the ability to participate in the voting process is a huge step forward in allowing individuals to feel valued and like they belong to their communities,” Grandville Brown, Director of Peer Reentry Services for Connections, said. “I thank Governor Markell, and the sponsors of this legislation for fighting so hard to see this legislation through and for further opening up the democratic process.”

Approves initiative proposed in Governor’s State of the State Address

Dover, DE — The General Assembly approved legislation today that removes the financial bar to restoration of voting rights for people convicted of felonies who have completed their sentence. Delaware had been one of only three states that required payment of financial obligations before restoration of voting rights, and the only state with a statutory bar to restoration of voting rights until full payment was made.

In 2013, with House Bill 10, the Delaware General Assembly amended the Delaware constitution to remove a five year waiting period for restoration of voting rights, but Delaware code still required all financial obligations be met before voting rights were restored. Voting promotes participation in our society and enhances social ties and Senate Bill 242 ensures individuals aren’t prevented from exercising that fundamental right.

“Once an individual has paid their debt to society, it is important that we allow them to contribute to their communities,” said Governor Markell. “Voting is one of their most fundamental rights as Americans and I congratulate the members of the General Assembly for increasing access to the ballot box and promoting a more inclusive society.”

As the Governor mentioned in his State of the State Address, this legislation will make Delaware one of 40 states that have in recent years increased access to voting for people who have served their sentences. An individual’s ability to participate in our democracy should never depend on their ability to pay.

This legislation would build on substantial progress the state has made on creating a more equal criminal justice system that ends discriminatory practices of the past, and empowers and educates those reentering society. More information on these efforts can be found here.

“We’ve come a long way since the early days of our nation, when voting rights were explicitly tied to property ownership,” said Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, the lead Senate sponsor of SB 242. “Still, the fact remains that requiring a person who has done their time to pay full restitution unduly disqualifies many voters who would otherwise be eligible to participate in our Democracy.”

“Delaware took an important step forward a few years ago in abolishing an arbitrary waiting period for regaining voting rights. That bill was the result of years of dedication and unwavering support from former Reps. Al and Hazel Plant,” said Rep. Helene Keeley, the lead House sponsor of SB 242. “This legislation fulfills our goal of restoring voting rights to those who have completed their period of incarceration and should by any other means have the right to vote. Regaining the right to vote is a critical component of reintegrating into society. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support in helping Delawareans.”

“When we empower people who have paid their debts to society, we are increasing the odds that they will stay out of prison and remain productive, law-abiding citizens,” said Sen. Bryan Townsend. “Unnecessarily disenfranchising people is a sure-fire way to stigmatize past discretions while being punitive beyond the length of an offender’s adjudicated sentence.”

“Voting for who represents you in government is one of the most liberating, important things you can do as a member of society,” said Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden. “We removed one big hurdle a few years ago, but the current system continues to hamper people’s ability to cast their votes, even as they rejoin society and get their lives back on track. By removing this hurdle, we’ve invited more Delawareans to be part of the process and participate.”

Wilmington DE – June 2nd is the last day to change Political Party Affiliation before the September 9th Primary.  The Department’s offices will be open Friday, May 30th and Monday, June 2nd to handle walk-in customers. People can use the State’s online registration system to change their party affiliation, update other registration information and register to vote at http://ivote.de.gov/. The online system is available 24 hours a day.

Contact: Howard Sholl, Department of Elections for New Castle County, (303) 577-5066

WILMINGTON (April 19, 2013) – Two male North American River Otters have taken up residence at the Brandywine Zoo and visitors can not only meet them starting Saturday, April 20, but zoo-goers also have an opportunity to help choose names for the otters by voting at the zoo throughout the spring.

The four-year-old river otters will reside in a dedicated exhibit long a popular highlight at the Brandywine Zoo, with its underwater window and observation bridge which provide great vantage points to watch the otters’ playful antics.

“The otters will almost certainly become a focal point at the Brandywine Zoo,” said Zoo Director Nancy Falasco, “and we’re having a naming contest enabling visitors to connect even better with them.”

Zoo staff has narrowed naming options for the otters. Proposed names – the otters will be matched as “Red & Hudson,” “Cisco & Wally” or “Timber & Clark” – are posted in the zoo, and visitors can vote on the name set they like best by contributing $1 with each vote. Contributions from the naming contest will benefit the Delaware Zoological Society, the non-profit volunteer organization which supports the Brandywine Zoo. The otters’ official names will be revealed on July 4.

The North American River Otter is a semi-aquatic mammal found in and along the waterways and coasts of North America. An adult river otter can weigh between 11 and 31 lbs. River otters tend to live an average of 10 to 15 years in the wild, but in zoos like the Brandywine Zoo, where they receive a protected home, healthy diets and veterinary care, their life expectancy increases to an average of 23 years. The two beloved otters that previously lived at the Brandywine Zoo, Star and Jester, enjoyed long lives and passed away of natural causes due to old age.

The zoo’s new otters came from a facility in Minnesota. Otters are members of the Mustelidae family which also includes weasels, skunks and ferrets. Their zoo diet consists of fish and other foods common to cats and even an egg every other day.  

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The Brandywine Zoo welcomes visitors to come see the otters and enjoy the zoo’s many other animals. The Brandywine Zoo is part of Delaware State Parks and is managed by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation, with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. Located at 1001 North Park Drive in Wilmington, the Brandywine Zoo is open every day of the year, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.BrandywineZoo.org or call 302 571-7747.

The Brandywine Zoo is a proud accredited member of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a distinction that marks its commitment to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for the visitors and a better future for all living things.

Contact: Elizabeth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902, or Nancy Falasco, Brandywine Zoo director, 302-571-7747

Vol. 43, No. 159