Governor Meyer Establishes Election Security Task Force in Delaware

DOVER - Governor Matt Meyer today signed Executive Order 19, establishing the Delaware Task Force on Free, Fair, and Secure Elections. This is a coordinated effort focused on election security, to reinforce public confidence in Delaware's electoral process, and safeguard Delaware from unconstitutional federal interference.

"The U.S. Constitution is clear: elections are run by the states, not the federal government," said Governor Meyer. "That's a responsibility we take seriously in Delaware, and we will continue to administer elections that are secure, fair, and trusted by the public. If the federal government tries to highjack the will of the people, we will be ready."

The Executive Order highlights a range of potential risks to election systems, including cybersecurity threats, physical security concerns, voter intimidation, disinformation, and emphasizes the importance of a coordinated plan and response.

Chaired by Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez and Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Joshua Bushweller, the Task Force will include representatives from key state agencies, law enforcement, cybersecurity leadership, federal partners, and members of the General Assembly.

"Governor Meyer's Executive Order allows us to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure every Delawarean has confidence in our elections," said Secretary Patibanda-Sanchez. "We're working closely with communities across the state to protect the most fundamental right we have, the right to vote, and to make sure every voice is heard and respected."

"At its core, law enforcement exists to protect people, and that includes protecting their right to vote," said Secretary Bushweller. "This Task Force strengthens our ability to safeguard Delawareans from any threat to our election system and ensures we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively."

"Delaware has long been a national leader in running secure, fair, and transparent elections," said State Elections Commissioner Anthony Albence. "Now, we can build on that strong foundation by increasing coordination across state government and leveraging critical expertise to ensure we remain at the forefront of election integrity and voter confidence."

"Voting is our most sacred right, and we cannot take it for granted. We have to fight just as hard to keep it as our forebears fought to win it," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "That's why we've gone to Court year after year to defend the right to vote from partisan attacks against absentee voting, against vote by mail, and just this month against our voter rolls themselves. We are ready for anything. It is our job to guarantee that everyone with the right to vote can exercise that right. And we will not allow anyone to take that away from you."

"Voting is a fundamental right, and here in the First State we've made great strides to expand access and encourage civic participation," said Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay. "But to complement these efforts, we have to ensure our neighbors feel confident in the system. I am hopeful this task force will both reassure Delaware voters and set a national standard of protecting free and secure elections."

"Poll after poll shows that threats to our democracy, including threats to election security, are top concerns for voters of all backgrounds," said House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown. "Given the dangerous rhetoric we've been hearing from this federal administration, I'm very glad that Delaware is taking this proactive step to protect the most fundamental and important right we have: the right to vote."

"The right to vote is the most foundational law that we as Americans hold sacred," said Senator Dan Cruce. "As chair of the Senate Elections Committee, I've had the privilege of advancing voting rights legislation that supports free and reliable elections, further protecting our democratic processes. I want to thank Gov. Meyer for establishing a task force that ensures all voices are at the table, and for dedicating conversations to protecting our voting rights."

The Task Force will meet regularly and provide recommendations to the Governor, including reports in advance of primary and general elections and a comprehensive post-election assessment.

The Executive Order takes effect immediately. The full text can be found here.