Delaware Governor Matt Meyer took a firm stand on state sovereignty Wednesday by signing Executive Order 19, a move that officially creates the Delaware Task Force on Free, Fair, and Secure Elections.
The new group is designed to serve as a unified front against a variety of modern challenges, ranging from high-tech cyberattacks to what the administration describes as unconstitutional federal interference.
The Governor didn’t mince words regarding the legal motivation behind the order. “The U.S. Constitution is clear: elections are run by the states, not the federal government,” Meyer stated. He noted that Delaware is prepared to act if the federal government attempts to “hijack the will of the people.”
The task force arrives at a time of heightened concern over the mechanics of democracy. According to the Executive Order, the group will tackle a broad spectrum of risks, including physical security at polling places, voter intimidation, and the spread of disinformation.
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Leading the charge are Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez and Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Joshua Bushweller. The roster also pulls in experts from law enforcement, cybersecurity, and the General Assembly.
Secretary Patibanda-Sanchez noted that the goal is to stay ahead of “emerging threats” to ensure every citizen’s voice is respected. This sentiment was echoed by Secretary Bushweller, who framed the initiative as a core law enforcement duty to protect the right to vote. Meanwhile, State Elections Commissioner Anthony Albence pointed out that while Delaware already has a strong track record for transparency, this order allows the state to leverage deeper technical expertise.
The legal dimension of the task force was highlighted by Attorney General Kathy Jennings, who referenced a history of court battles over absentee and mail-in voting.
“We are ready for anything,” Jennings said, promising that the state will not allow the right to vote to be taken away. Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay added that the initiative is about building public confidence, aiming to set a “national standard” for how states can protect their own electoral systems.
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Legislative leaders also signaled their support. House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown cited “dangerous rhetoric” from the current federal administration as a primary reason for the state’s proactive stance. Senator Dan Cruce, chair of the Senate Elections Committee, thanked the Governor for ensuring “all voices are at the table” when it comes to defending the democratic process.
The Task Force is required to meet on a regular basis and is tasked with providing formal recommendations to the Governor. These will include detailed reports released before primary and general elections, followed by a full post-election assessment. The Executive Order went into effect the moment it was signed on Wednesday.
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