Delaware now has more than 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19, prompting Governor John Carney to take swift action by moving the state’s presidential primary in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. This is one of many states to put a hold on voting.
According to WDEL, Carney moved the state’s primary from April 26, when all residents will still be adhering to a “stay at home” order, to June 2.
“Delawareans have a basic, fundamental right to vote. Today’s order will preserve that right and allow Delawareans to vote by absentee ballot in the presidential primary on June 2,” Carney said, according to the report.
The governor also confirmed that social distancing will be a viable permitted reason to vote by absentee ballot.
In addition to changing the elections and making new voting provisions, Carney also announced protections for homeowners and renters, banning landlords from evicting tenants during the state of emergency or charging late fees or interest.
All foreclosures have also been ordered to stop, and those that are processing have been frozen until the end of the State of Emergency.
Utility companies are also forbidden from terminating service or charging late fees.
“The additional protections in this order are essential to help support Delawareans—especially our most vulnerable neighbors—as this situation evolves,” Carney said. “This is an extremely challenging economic situation for many of our neighbors, and we need to do what we can to support them.”
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