From DelawareOnline.com:
House Bill 245, which was signed into law Feb. 1, effectively doubled the number of registered voters a party must have to be on the ballot.And it did so two months before voters are restricted from changing their party, when it was difficult, if not impossible, for the smaller parties to meet the new threshold of 612 voters.
“What is one of the major responsibilities that our government has? Wouldn’t that be an open access so the people can select who they want to run?” asked Pell Sherman, chairman of the Constitution Party of Delaware.
“Whatever it takes, the state has a responsibility to give fair and equitable elections and that’s not happening,” Sherman said.
Because of the new law, the candidacy of Constitution Party member Earl Lofland for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Mike Castle could wind up a write-in campaign.
The Constitution Party has just 283 members, well short of the 612 now needed for a spot on the ballot.
Minor parties are required by law to have the requisite number of voters by Aug. 24 — near the end of the blackout period when Delaware prohibits voters from changing party affiliation — March 31 through the Sept. 14 primary. So, the only way minor parties can now make up the difference is with new registrations.
“What is the motive behind this bill being introduced?” Lofland asked. “To raise our membership, double it [in that time], it’s almost impossible for us to be able to do it,” he said.
Due process?