DACA Recipients Voting Rights and Laws in Delaware

Can DACA Recipients Vote In State And Local Elections in Delaware?

No. DACA recipients are not eligible to vote in state or local elections in Delaware.

What Are The Federal Laws And Regulations Regarding DACA Recipients’ Voting Rights In State Elections in Delaware?

DACA recipients are not eligible to vote in any state or federal elections. In Delaware, under the sec. 5502 of the Delaware Election Code, non-citizens are prohibited from voting in any state election. This includes DACA recipients, regardless of their immigration status.

Do Any States Allow DACA Recipients To Vote In State And Local Elections in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware allows DACA recipients to vote in state and local elections. All that is required is that they have a valid driver’s license, state-issued identification card or Social Security card.

How Do States Determine The Eligibility Of DACA Recipients For Voting In State Elections in Delaware?

In Delaware, DACA recipients are not eligible to vote in state elections. The current state code prohibits non-citizens from voting in state and local elections. The code also states that any person who falsely claims to be a U.S. citizen and then votes in a state or local election is guilty of a felony. There is currently no way for DACA recipients to register to vote in state elections in Delaware.

Are There Distinctions Between DACA Recipients And Other Non-Citizen Residents Regarding Voting Rights in Delaware?

No, there are no distinctions between DACA recipients and other non-citizen residents regarding voting rights in Delaware. All non-citizens, including DACA recipients, are prohibited from voting in all elections in Delaware.

What Types Of State And Local Elections, If Any, Are Open To DACA Recipients in Delaware?

At this time, DACA recipients in Delaware are not eligible to vote in state or local elections.

What Are The Requirements And Documentation Needed For DACA Recipients To Register To Vote In State Elections in Delaware?

The requirements and documentation needed for DACA recipients to register to vote in state elections in Delaware depend on the individual’s circumstances. In most cases, DACA recipients must provide proof of identity (a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport) and proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement, etc.). However, Delaware also allows individuals to register to vote up to 20 days before an election without providing proof of identification or residence. In this case, individuals must submit a signed statement attesting that they are both a United States citizen and a Delaware resident. As with all voter registration applications in Delaware, DACA recipients must also affirm their eligibility to vote in order for their application to be approved.

How Are The Identities And Eligibility Of DACA Recipients Verified In Places Where They Can Vote in Delaware?

In Delaware, DACA recipients must provide proof of residency in order to be allowed to vote. This can be done by providing a valid government-issued form of identification such as a driver’s license or state ID, a passport or a birth certificate. Additionally, a DACA recipient must also provide proof of their legal presence in the United States. This can be done by providing either an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the federal government or a valid Immigration Court Order granting deferred action to the applicant. Finally, the applicant must also provide proof of registration to vote in Delaware. All of these documents must be provided to the Delaware Department of Elections in order to verify a DACA recipient’s identity and eligibility to vote in Delaware.

What Is The Rationale Behind Allowing DACA Recipients To Vote In State And Local Elections in Delaware?

The rationale behind allowing DACA recipients to vote in state and local elections in Delaware is to ensure that all constituents are able to exercise one of the most fundamental rights of our democracy – the right to have their voice heard. DACA recipients are members of our communities and, like all Delawareans, they play a vital role in our state’s economy and culture. By allowing them to vote in state and local elections, we are recognizing their contributions and ensuring that their perspectives are included in the discussion about the important issues facing our state. Furthermore, it is important to ensure fair representation in our local governments, which means allowing all eligible individuals, including DACA recipients, to participate.

Which States Or Cities Have Considered Or Implemented Policies Allowing DACA Recipients To Vote, And What Are The Specifics in Delaware?

Delaware has not implemented any policies allowing DACA recipients to vote. However, the city of Wilmington, Delaware voted in favor of a non-binding resolution that supported allowing DACA recipients to vote in local elections. This resolution was adopted by the City Council in November of 2020. It was done in support of the Hispanic community and was done in response to a Supreme Court decision that prevented DACA recipients from voting in state and federal elections. The specifics of the resolution are as follows:

1) The Wilmington City Council urged the Delaware General Assembly and United States Congress to immediately pass legislation that would grant lawful permanent residents, including DACA recipients, the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections.

2) The Wilmington City Council called upon the Delaware General Assembly to pass and send to the Governor for signature legislation that would allow DACA recipients the right to vote in Delaware municipal elections.

3) The Wilmington City Council declared its support for legislation that would grant lawful permanent residents, including DACA recipients, the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections.

What Protections And Safeguards Are In Place To Ensure The Integrity Of DACA Recipient Voting in Delaware?

The State of Delaware has put in place a number of protections and safeguards to ensure the integrity of DACA recipient voting in Delaware. These include:

1. Voter ID Requirements: All voters, including DACA recipients, are required to present a valid and unexpired photo identification at the polls in order to cast their ballot. A new law passed in 2020 grants those without a driver’s license or state-issued identification the ability to present alternative forms of ID, including student IDs, passports, utility bills, and other forms of government-issued identification.

2. Language Assistance: The Delaware Department of Elections provides language assistance services to individuals with limited English proficiency. This includes multilingual materials, interpreters at polling locations, and translations of all voting materials.

3. Online Voter Registration: The State of Delaware allows for online voter registration, which includes a read-back feature that allows DACA recipients to ensure that their information is accurately recorded.

4. Voter Education Resources: The Delaware Department of Elections provides a number of voter education resources including videos and online resources in multiple languages that explain the Voter ID requirements and voting process for new voters, including DACA recipients.

5. Election Day Monitoring: The State of Delaware has implemented a comprehensive system of election day monitoring by both Department of Elections personnel and volunteers to ensure that all voters, including DACA recipients, are able to cast their ballots without interference or intimidation.

What Penalties Or Consequences Exist For DACA Recipients Who Attempt To Vote In Elections Where They Are Not Eligible in Delaware?

In Delaware, voting in an election if you are not eligible to do so is considered a felony. If a DACA recipient attempts to vote in an election where they are not eligible, they may face prosecution and other penalties, including fines and/or jail time. Additionally, a DACA recipient could potentially face deportation proceedings if they are found to have attempted to vote in an election where they are not eligible.

Do These Policies Align With Federal Immigration Laws And Voting Regulations in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware follows all federal immigration laws and voting regulations. Delaware has several laws governing immigration, including laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against non-citizens in hiring, and laws that protect the rights of immigrants to access public services. For voting regulations, Delaware allows all citizens, regardless of immigration status, to register to vote and requires proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Can DACA Recipients Who Vote In State And Local Elections Impact Their DACA Status in Delaware?

No, DACA recipients who vote in state and local elections in Delaware will not impact their DACA status. DACA recipients have the same rights as any other eligible voter in the state, and can register and vote without fear of any negative impact on their DACA status.

Are There Ongoing Legal Challenges Or Debates About Voting Rights And Laws For DACA Recipients At The State Level in Delaware?

At this time, there are no ongoing legal challenges or debates about voting rights and laws for DACA recipients at the state level in Delaware.

How Do DACA Recipients And Advocates Stay Informed About Voting Rights And Laws Specific To Their Locations in Delaware?

DACA recipients and advocates in Delaware can stay informed about voting rights and laws specific to their locations by consulting the Delaware Division of Elections website. This website provides detailed information about registering to vote, voter identification requirements, absentee voting, early voting, locations of polling places, and more. Additionally, DACA recipients and advocates can access state-specific information from the National Immigration Law Center, which provides resources and information on voting rights for immigrants in all 50 states. The Latino Community Fund of Delaware also offers information on voting rights for immigrant communities in Delaware and provides relevant resources and workshops.

What Are The Public Opinions And Political Discussions Surrounding Voting Rights For DACA Recipients in Delaware?

Public opinion and political discussion surrounding voting rights for DACA recipients in Delaware has been largely positive. While the state legislature has yet to pass a specific law granting voting rights to DACA recipients, several prominent political figures have spoken out in support of the idea. Governor John Carney, a Democrat, expressed his support for allowing DACA recipients to vote in state elections, and in 2019, the Delaware Senate passed a resolution in support of allowing DACA recipients to vote. The resolution was passed with strong bipartisan support from both sides of the aisle. The Delaware House of Representatives has yet to formally consider the issue of voting rights for DACA recipients, however.

The public opinion surrounding the issue is largely supportive as well. Polling data from 2017 showed that 72% of Delaware residents supported allowing DACA recipients to vote in state elections. Many immigrants’ rights organizations have also advocated for voting rights for DACA recipients in recent years, further demonstrating the public’s support for this issue.

Can DACA Recipients Access Resources And Information About Voting Rights And Laws In Multiple Languages in Delaware?

Yes, DACA recipients can access resources and information about voting rights and laws in multiple languages in Delaware. The Delaware Department of Elections provides a voter guide in several languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and English. Additionally, the ACLU of Delaware provides information about voter registration, eligibility, and other voting requirements in multiple languages.

What Is The Role Of Advocacy Groups And Organizations In Promoting Or Challenging Voting Policies For DACA Recipients in Delaware?

Advocacy groups and organizations play an important role in challenging or promoting voting policies for DACA recipients in Delaware. These groups can work to educate the public about the issues at hand, campaign for specific changes to the voting laws, and provide legal assistance to DACA recipients who may be denied the right to vote. They can also pressure state legislators to pass laws that would protect the rights of DACA recipients to vote in Delaware and coordinate with other advocacy groups working on similar issues nationwide. Additionally, they can connect with local organizations to provide educational resources on voting rights, participation, and advocacy for Delaware’s DACA recipients. Finally, advocacy groups and organizations can act as a watchdog against any attempts by the state government to roll back voting rights for DACA recipients.

Where Can Individuals Find Official Information And Guidance About Voting Rights And Laws For DACA Recipients In Their State in Delaware?

Individuals living in Delaware can find official information and guidance about voting rights and laws for DACA recipients on the Delaware State Government website. The State Election Commissioner has published a guide on the voting rights of DACA recipients in Delaware. This document can be found here: https://elections.delaware.gov/information/daca-voters/. Additionally, the website provides additional resources and information about voter registration, absentee voting, voting rights, and more.