Re: Establishing The Delaware Task Force On Free, Fair, And Secure Elections

WHEREAS, the integrity, independence, and security of elections are fundamental to the democratic principles upon which the State of Delaware and the United States were founded; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware reaffirms its commitment to promulgating free, fair, and secure elections in accordance with Article I, Article II, and the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which inarguably grant states the preeminent authority to administer and conduct elections; and

WHEREAS, experts agree that elections are most secure when administered by decentralized state and local officials, and any attempt to federalize control over elections
undermines both the security of our democratic process and the constitutional separation of powers that has safeguarded our Republic for over 250 years; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware has a long and proud tradition of conducting secure, accessible, transparent, and well-administered elections that uphold public confidence in our democratic processes; and

WHEREAS, election threats may take many forms, including physical security risks, cybersecurity incidents, voter intimidation, disinformation, federal overreach, and other emergent challenges that require coordinated planning and preparedness; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware recognizes the importance of proactive, transparent, and accountable governance, and seeks to build upon the already exemplary election systems and practices established across the State; and

WHEREAS, enhanced coordination among state agencies, law enforcement, national partners, community organizations, and technology experts will further strengthen Delaware's capacity to protect elections, safeguard voters, and ensure continued public trust; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to establish a designated advisory body to evaluate and develop recommendations regarding election security and to advise the Governor on best practices and potential improvements.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MATTHEW MEYER, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby DECLARE and ORDER the following:

1. There is hereby established the Delaware Task Force on Free, Fair, and Secure Elections.
2. The Task Force shall serve in an advisory capacity and shall not interfere with or supersede the lawful authority of the Commissioner of Elections or any other election official under Delaware law. The Task Force shall:
   1. Review and assess current election security protocols, systems, infrastructure, and operational preparedness;
   2. Identify opportunities to enhance Delaware's preparedness, response capabilities, and resilience to emerging election-related threats;
   3. Support efforts to identify and mitigate threats to the election process and protect voters from intimidation or interference;
   4. Promote transparency and accountability in election administration and security practices;
   5. Develop recommendations to enhance public communication strategies that promote confidence, transparency, and accurate election information; and
   6. Provide formal recommendations to the Governor to further strengthen election security across the State while maintaining public confidence in Delaware's electoral process.
3. The Task Force shall be composed of the following members or their designated representatives:
   1. The Secretary of State, who shall serve as Co-chair;
   2. The Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, who shall serve as Co-chair;
   3. The Commissioner of Elections;
   4. The Lieutenant Governor;
   5. A representative from the Delaware Department of Justice;
   6. A representative from the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
   7. A representative from the United States Department of Homeland Security;
   8. A representative from the Delaware National Guard;
   9. The Secretary of the Department of Technology and Information;
   10. A representative from the Governor's Office;
   11. The Superintendent of the Delaware State Police;
   12. A representative from Capitol Police;
   13. A representative from the Delaware Information and Analysis Center;
   14. The Homeland Security Advisor for Delaware;
   15. A representative from DEMA;
   16. A representative from the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police;
   17. Two Representatives from the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
   18. Two Representatives from the Senate, appointed by the Senate Pro Tempore.
4. Members serving by virtue of position may, with the written consent of the Governor, select a permanent or meeting-specific designee to serve in their stead and at their pleasure. All other members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor may increase the size of the Task Force and appoint additional members at his pleasure.
5. The Task Force shall:
   1. Meet at the call of the Co-chairs or at least quarterly;
   2. Review existing policies, procedures, and security frameworks related to election administration;
   3. Identify potential vulnerabilities and emerging risks to election infrastructure and public confidence;
   4. Develop recommendations for policy enhancements, operational improvements, preparedness planning, and public outreach;
   5. Provide written reports to the Governor as follows:
      1. A report delivered with sufficient time, as identified by the Task Force, before the start of early voting in the statewide primary election, including any recommended actions or improvements that could be implemented in advance;
      2. A report issued within 30 days following the completion of the statewide primary election, identifying recommended changes or enhancements to be applied prior to the general election; and
      3. A comprehensive report submitted within 90 days after the general election, evaluating the effectiveness of election security measures and providing recommendations for future improvements, including any suggested legislative or administrative changes.
   6. Provide interim recommendations in advance of statewide or local elections as necessary to address emerging risks or time-sensitive concerns.
6. The Department of State and Department of Safety and Homeland Security shall provide staff and administrative support necessary for the Task Force to fulfill its duties. State agencies shall cooperate with the Task Force and provide assistance as requested, consistent with applicable law.
7. Nothing in this Order shall be construed to alter or supersede any existing statutory authority of state or local officials in the administration of elections under Delaware law.
8. The Task Force shall conduct its work in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws pertaining to confidentiality, security, privacy, and public records.
9. The Governor may amend the membership, duties, or structure of the Task Force at any time.
10. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in force until amended, superseded, or rescinded by further Executive Order.

APPROVED this 22nd of April 2026.

Matthew Meyer
Governor

ATTEST: Secretary of State