Today members of the Delaware House passed HS 1 for HB 121, an amendment to the Seaford city charter introduced by state Rep. Daniel Short that will allow artificial entities like corporations, LLCs, and trusts to vote in Seaford’s municipal elections, just like natural persons. The final vote was 35-6.

The passage of this bill follows weeks of controversy surrounding this amendment. The bill was placed on the House agenda and removed three times. House Republican lawmakers walked out on Thursday night, holding hostage the bond bill and grant-in-aid, which funds police, fire companies, and nonprofits, in order to force Democrats to approve the bill.

“We’re horrified and disappointed that this bill passed. Corporations have no place in our elections — full stop,” said Common Cause Delaware의 전무이사인 Claire Snyder-Hall. “In a state with more registered businesses than residents, this bill gives wealthy outsiders the power to override the actual people of Seaford. Hopefully, it will not make it through the Senate.” 

In 2019, the Newark city council passed a resolution to stop artificial entities from voting in local elections after a Newark property manager in control of 31 LLCs, which own 31 parcels of land in the city, 31번 투표됨 during a $28 million capital referendum. In 2018, Rehoboth Beach residents 일어나서 멈추었다 LLC에 투표권을 허용하는 제안.

Claire Snyder-Hall은 이 문제에 대한 인터뷰를 위해 대기하고 있습니다. csnyder-hall@commoncause.org.