FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 4, 2021
Delaware State Senate Majority Caucus
Contact: Scott Goss (302) 744-4180, or
Dylan McDowell (302) 744-4282
Delaware State Senate Majority Caucus
Contact: Scott Goss (302) 744-4180, or
Dylan McDowell (302) 744-4282
Sokola, Schwartzkopf announce fall special session
to address legislative redistricting
Constitutionally mandated redrawing of districts in limbo due to delays receiving federal 2020 U.S. Census data
DOVER – With the constitutionally mandated redistricting process sidelined for several months due to federal delays, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola announced Thursday that the Delaware General Assembly will hold a series of special session days this fall to address the decennial realignment of legislative district boundaries.
Every 10 years, the General Assembly is tasked with redrawing all 62 legislative districts based on the latest federal census data. Traditionally, those figures are provided early in the year after a census is conducted. However, reports indicate Delaware might not receive its 2020 U.S. Census data until late summer, after the House and Senate have recessed. This would be the latest Delaware has received this crucial data and early reports indicate some of that data still might be incomplete.
While the specific dates and details are still being finalized, Rep. Schwartzkopf and Sen. Sokola said the special session would ideally take place in the fall over the course of a few weeks. The additional session days would provide the General Assembly with an opportunity to meet its constitutional obligation.
“Redistricting is an extremely complex process, but we have always met our obligation,” said Rep. Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach. “However, our redistricting schedule – which would have started this spring – has been thrown off because of problems due to the previous presidential administration and the ongoing pandemic. Rather than leave things in doubt, we feel it is best to be upfront and announce this fall session now so everyone can plan accordingly.”
The legislative session typically begins in January of each year and runs through June, ending at midnight on June 30. However, the House and Senate enter a special session immediately after midnight, passing resolutions that allow the chambers to call themselves back into session at any time.
“Just like every one of our constituents, we have had to make adjustments to account for the failed leadership of the previous administration and this is no different,” said Sen. Sokola, D-Newark. “On the bright side, however, Speaker Schwartzkopf and I hope these extra session days will allow our members to focus all of their attention on this important process and provide greater opportunity for public input than ever before.”
The legislative leaders expect to announce specific dates for a fall session in the coming months once it is clear when Delaware will receive its census data.
Every 10 years, the General Assembly is tasked with redrawing all 62 legislative districts based on the latest federal census data. Traditionally, those figures are provided early in the year after a census is conducted. However, reports indicate Delaware might not receive its 2020 U.S. Census data until late summer, after the House and Senate have recessed. This would be the latest Delaware has received this crucial data and early reports indicate some of that data still might be incomplete.
While the specific dates and details are still being finalized, Rep. Schwartzkopf and Sen. Sokola said the special session would ideally take place in the fall over the course of a few weeks. The additional session days would provide the General Assembly with an opportunity to meet its constitutional obligation.
“Redistricting is an extremely complex process, but we have always met our obligation,” said Rep. Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach. “However, our redistricting schedule – which would have started this spring – has been thrown off because of problems due to the previous presidential administration and the ongoing pandemic. Rather than leave things in doubt, we feel it is best to be upfront and announce this fall session now so everyone can plan accordingly.”
The legislative session typically begins in January of each year and runs through June, ending at midnight on June 30. However, the House and Senate enter a special session immediately after midnight, passing resolutions that allow the chambers to call themselves back into session at any time.
“Just like every one of our constituents, we have had to make adjustments to account for the failed leadership of the previous administration and this is no different,” said Sen. Sokola, D-Newark. “On the bright side, however, Speaker Schwartzkopf and I hope these extra session days will allow our members to focus all of their attention on this important process and provide greater opportunity for public input than ever before.”
The legislative leaders expect to announce specific dates for a fall session in the coming months once it is clear when Delaware will receive its census data.
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Press Contacts
Scott Goss
Communications Director
(302) 744-4180
scott.goss@delaware.gov
Dylan McDowell
Communications Assistant
(302) 744-4282
dylan.mcdowell@delaware.gov
Scott Goss
Communications Director
(302) 744-4180
scott.goss@delaware.gov
Dylan McDowell
Communications Assistant
(302) 744-4282
dylan.mcdowell@delaware.gov