The Delaware Supreme Court ruled on Friday to overturn the vote-by-mail and same-day voter registration legislation, marking a huge blow to Gov. John Carney and Democrats.
The decision came just one day after oral arguments were heard on whether allowing all registered voters the choice to cast their ballot through the mail violates the state’s constitution. The decision was only three pages long, with justices writing that a more formal opinion will be issued soon.
The midterm election is on Nov. 8.
Vice Chancellor Nathan Cook previously ruled that the law, which was passed by the General Assembly in June, violates provisions of the state constitution that dictate the circumstances in which a resident is allowed to vote absentee. The decision from the Court of Chancery judge landed one day after the primary election last month, in which Delawareans were allowed to vote by mail.
Cook upheld the state’s same-day voter registration law, which was also recently passed by the General Assembly. Yet, in a surprising move, the Supreme Court reversed this decision.
THE ARGUEMNTS:Is vote by mail constitutional? As election looms, the Delaware Supreme Court will decide
This is a breaking news story. Check delawareonline.com for updates
