Delaware

Delaware has only one congressional district.

Delaware’s state legislative lines are drawn by the state legislature, as a regular statute, subject to gubernatorial veto.

The legislature’s deadline for producing plans was originally June 30, 2021.  Because the deadline is set by statute, the legislature may change it at any time. [29 Del. Code § 805].  On June 24, 2021, the legislature adopted a new deadline of Nov. 7, 2021 for final plans to accommodate the delay in Census data. [H.C.R. 32]  The deadline for candidates to file for state legislative primary elections was July 12, 2022. [15 Del. Code § 3101(1)]

Delaware also prohibits redrawing lines mid-decade, before the next Census; this constraint is also set by statute, and may be altered by the legislature. [29 Del. Code § 805]

For the 2020 cycle, the legislature passed a resolution to make redistricting information publicly available on a website and to allow the public to provide input on maps. [H.C.R. 32]  Recordings of the public hearings are available here.

Like all states, Delaware must comply with constitutional equal population requirements, and state statutes further specify that districts must be “nearly equal in population.”  Delaware will also adjust census data in order to count incarcerated individuals at their last known residence before incarceration. [29 Del. Code §§ 804, 804A]

Delaware must also, like all states, abide by the Voting Rights Act and constitutional rules on race.

State law further asks that state legislative districts be, insofar as possible, contiguous and bounded by roads, streams, and other natural boundaries.  Districts may not be drawn to unduly favor any person or political party.  The legislature may alter these statutory requirements as it wishes. [29 Del. Code § 804]

The Delaware legislature passed SB 199 on Nov. 1, 2021 to adopt a state legislative plan, which the Governor signed on Nov. 2, 2021.

On Mar. 23, 2022, the legislature revised the plan by passing HB 335, which the Governor signed on April 1, 2022.  It appears that the plan was not challenged in court.

Delaware’s legislature passed a state legislative plan (HB 210) on June 30, 2011, which was signed by the Governor on July 8, 2011.

On Jan. 26, 2012, the legislature adjusted the plan somewhat with HB 250, which was signed on Feb. 3, 2012.

It appears that the plan was not challenged in court.

Delaware’s legislature enacted a state legislative plan (HB 467) on Apr. 18, 2002, which was signed by the Governor on Apr. 19, 2002.

The plan was amended in minor fashion by HB 556, passed on June 18, 2002 and signed by the Governor on June 19, 2002.

It appears that the plan was not challenged in court.