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Prof. Justin Levitt's Doug Spencer's Guide to Drawing the Electoral Lines

State Summary

Delaware has only one congressional district.  State lines are drawn by the legislature, as normal legislation.

In the 2020 cycle, the legislature passed SB 199 on Nov. 1, 2021 to adopt a 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.

In the 2010 cycle, the legislature passed a 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.

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Seats: (projected)

Institution:

Drawn by:

Plan Status:

Party Control:
  Upper House:
  Lower House:
  Governor:

Key Info for 2010 Cycle

Website

Primary governing law

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The Latest Updates

Nov 2, 2021
Delaware's governor signed the redistricting bill (SB 199) establishing new legislative districts for the state.
Nov 1, 2021
Delaware lawmakers approved new legislative district maps for the senate and house. Once the governor signs SB 199, the new maps will take effect for the 2022 election cycle.
Oct 29, 2021
The Delaware State Legislature will hold a special session beginning on Nov. 1st to finalize redistricting maps for the state house and senate.
Oct 28, 2021
The Delaware House of Representatives released a final map proposal prior to the Nov. 1st legislative special session.
Oct 25, 2021
The Delaware State Senate released the a final senate map prior to the Nov. 1st special session. The Delaware legislature has until Nov. 7th to finalize maps.
Oct 15, 2021
The Delaware House Republicans has released a proposed house map prior to the House redistricting meeting on Oct. 18th.
Oct 13, 2021
The Delaware House democratic leadership has released a proposed house map prior to the House redistricting meeting on Oct. 18th.
Oct 11, 2021
The Delaware Senate released a proposed senate map for the public to review prior to hearings on Oct. 19 and Oct. 21.
Oct 8, 2021
The Delaware General Assembly will be hosting public meetings the week of Oct. 18. The House will be hosting a hybrid (remote/in person) hearing on Oct. 18, the Senate will host a remote hearing on Oct. 19 and in-person hearing on Oct. 20.
Sep 29, 2021
Delaware legislative leadership hosted a virtual meeting highlighting the redistricting process. New legislative maps must be finalized by Nov. 8, 2021.
Sep 10, 2021
Delaware legislative leaders announce redistricting outline and launch new website to track the process.
Jun 24, 2021
The Delaware legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 32, with specific guidelines for redistricting, and a Nov. 7, 2021 deadline for final plans.
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Institution

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.

Timing

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]

Public input

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.

Criteria

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]

2020 cycle

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.

2010 cycle

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.

2000 cycle

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.

2020 Delaware Maps Available for Download

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Delaware | 2020
2020 Delaware Maps
Delaware has only one congressional district. State lines are drawn by the legislature, as normal le...
Number of Maps 6
Last Updated Nov 6, 2021
Cycle 2020