Featured Stories
Va. A.G. Jones Celebrates Major Victory Blocking Implementation of Unlawful Medicaid Work Requirements for Medically Vulnerable Individuals
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 31 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jones Celebrates Major Victory Blocking Implementation of Unlawful Medicaid Work Requirements for Medically Vulnerable Individuals
RICHMOND, Va. - Attorney General Jones secured a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts finding the Trump Administration's implementation of new Medicaid work requirements under the Big Beautiful Bill Act unlawful.
In a lawsuit filed in June 2026, Attorney General Jones joined a multistate coalition in challenging
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 31 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jones Celebrates Major Victory Blocking Implementation of Unlawful Medicaid Work Requirements for Medically Vulnerable Individuals
RICHMOND, Va. - Attorney General Jones secured a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts finding the Trump Administration's implementation of new Medicaid work requirements under the Big Beautiful Bill Act unlawful.
In a lawsuit filed in June 2026, Attorney General Jones joined a multistate coalition in challengingprovisions of an interim final rule, which adopted a new interpretation of key terms like "medically frail," making it harder for medically vulnerable individuals to be excused from the work requirements. In this decision, the District Court held that the Trump Administration's definition of "medical frailty" is contrary to law, vacated the language, issued a permanent injunction, and granted the plaintiff states' a six-month stay of enforcement to accommodate any errors or delays resulting from the necessary changes to implementation.
"More than 1.8 million Virginians rely on Medicaid to manage complex medical issues, like cancer, stroke care/recovery, and even renal failure, and they deserve clear, stable health insurance. The Trump Administration's efforts to rip healthcare coverage away from those who need it most is unconscionable and illegal," said Attorney General Jones. "America's healthcare system is strained, Virginians are making difficult decisions just to cover day-today expenses, and this rule would have exacerbated the burden."
"Cancer patients shouldn't be forced to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access the lifesaving care they need," said governor Abigail Spanberger. "This ruling affirms that patients deserve timely access to the care their doctors recommend - not unnecessary red tape. As the Trump Administration threatens healthcare coverage, I will continue to do everything in my power to protect patients, make sure families can see their doctors, and push back against the chaos out of Washington."
BACKGROUND
Medicaid is the nation's safety net healthcare program for low-income Americans and is jointly funded by states and the federal government, with the federal government providing at least 50% of the cost of services. Congress created exemptions from Medicaid's work requirements to ensure that people with serious illnesses and disabilities do not lose coverage or face interruptions in care.
Yet despite months of working with states on implementation, earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) surprised states with an interim final rule that makes it harder for medically vulnerable individuals to be excused from the work requirements and makes other changes that increase administrative burdens, create unnecessary red tape, and put eligible people at risk of losing their health coverage -- including those who are already working or qualify for an exemption. The rule disregarded substantial evidence that should have been considered, failed to adequately evaluate reasonable alternatives, and did not give states clear or workable guidance.
Past Medicaid work requirement programs have shown that added red tape causes eligible people to lose coverage, placing greater strain on state Medicaid programs, safety net providers, and emergency rooms, while increasing costs as more medically frail residents become uninsured.
October 30, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3146-attorney-general-jones-celebrates-major-victory-blocking-implementation-of-unlawful-medicaid-work-requirements-for-medically-vulnerable-individuals
Texas Gov. Abbott Announces Latest Slate Of Appointments
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Governor Abbott Announces Latest Slate Of Appointments
October 30, 2026 | Austin, Texas
State Securities Board - Governor Abbott appointed Glenn MacTaggart and Paula Ann Miller to the State Securities Board for terms set to expire on January 20, 2031.
Additionally, the Governor named MacTaggart Chair of the Board.
The Board registers securities offered and sold in Texas and oversees the firms and individuals selling securities or providing investment advice to Texans.
Texas Woman's University Board
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AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Governor Abbott Announces Latest Slate Of Appointments
October 30, 2026 | Austin, Texas
State Securities Board - Governor Abbott appointed Glenn MacTaggart and Paula Ann Miller to the State Securities Board for terms set to expire on January 20, 2031.
Additionally, the Governor named MacTaggart Chair of the Board.
The Board registers securities offered and sold in Texas and oversees the firms and individuals selling securities or providing investment advice to Texans.
Texas Woman's University BoardOf Regents - Governor Abbott appointed Rienke Radler to the Texas Woman's University Board of Regents for a term set to expire on February 1, 2029.
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Original text here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-latest-slate-of-appointments-10-30
Md. A.G. Brown Announces Jail Sentence and Full Restitution for Massive Felony Tax Fraud Scheme
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Oct. 31 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Announces Jail Sentence and Full Restitution for Massive Felony Tax Fraud Scheme
10/30/2026
Easton Business Owner Sentenced to 18 Months in Jail and Has Already Paid More Than $170,000 in Restitution to the State
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BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that Robert David Michael, 56, of Easton, the sole owner and operator of B&E Motorsports, LLC, in Easton, Talbot County, Maryland, was sentenced to 18 months in jail for a felony theft
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Oct. 31 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Announces Jail Sentence and Full Restitution for Massive Felony Tax Fraud Scheme
10/30/2026
Easton Business Owner Sentenced to 18 Months in Jail and Has Already Paid More Than $170,000 in Restitution to the State
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BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that Robert David Michael, 56, of Easton, the sole owner and operator of B&E Motorsports, LLC, in Easton, Talbot County, Maryland, was sentenced to 18 months in jail for a felony theftscheme in which he created falsified sales paperwork to underreport the prices of jet skis, dirt bikes, and trailers, cheating the State of Maryland out of tens of thousands of dollars in excise taxes. The investigation was led by the Attorney General's Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit (ENRCU), the Attorney General's Fraud and Corruption Unit (FCU), the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Maryland Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and the Maryland Office of the Comptroller.
On September 22, 2026, Robert Michael pleaded guilty before the Honorable Stacy W. McCormack in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County to a felony theft scheme over $100,000, felony identity fraud scheme over $25,000, perjury, and willfully filing a false income tax return.
On October 27, 2026, Michael was sentenced to serve 18 months of active incarceration in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center, with a turn-in date of December 18, 2026. After his release from jail, he will be on five years of supervised probation. If he violates probation, he could potentially serve eight-and-a-half additional years of incarceration.
The defendant has already paid full restitution in this case totaling $171,450.07, paid as follows: $81,081.42 to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), $52,448.36 to the Maryland Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), $37,920.29 to the Maryland Comptroller. Michael will pay an additional criminal fine of $25,000.
The charges stem from a fraud scheme Michael carried out between July 2018 and June 2025, in which he created false paperwork to fraudulently deflate the cost of personal watercrafts (commonly known as jet skis), off-road motorcycles (commonly known as dirt bikes), and trailers to reduce the amount of excise tax he paid to the State of Maryland. Michael collected the correct tax from consumers at the time of sale but then created a second set of false documents to submit to DNR and MDOT, showing a fake lower price. Michael would remit only the tax due on the fake lower price and would steal the difference. Further, Michael falsified tax returns by grossly underreporting income to minimize or nullified any state income tax owed.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-Jail-Sentence-and-Full-Restitution-for-Massive-Felony-Tax-Fraud-Scheme.aspx
Maine Gov. Mills Radio Address: Battling High Home Heating Costs and Available Resources
AUGUSTA, Maine, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following text of a radio address:
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Battling High Home Heating Costs and Available Resources
October 30, 2026
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, cold weather is upon us already, and we're getting ready for heating season. Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy authorized the release of up to 315,000 barrels of fuel oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. While we hope this action might ease prices for Maine people in the near term, it will not solve the long-term problem driving
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following text of a radio address:
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Battling High Home Heating Costs and Available Resources
October 30, 2026
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, cold weather is upon us already, and we're getting ready for heating season. Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy authorized the release of up to 315,000 barrels of fuel oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. While we hope this action might ease prices for Maine people in the near term, it will not solve the long-term problem drivingup heating costs.
The President's war in Iran right now has created the largest fuel supply disruption in global history and has driven energy prices to record highs. Maine is the most heating oil-dependent state in the nation, and the price of heating oil has now exceeded $6 a gallon. So if you own a standard 275-gallon oil tank, you'll be paying about $750 more to fill that tank than you did a year ago. Kerosene prices are also reaching historic highs, and diesel fuel, of course--all because of this war that is not supported by a majority of Americans.
Maine people should not be forced to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table because this President chose to drag us into a needless war with no endgame in sight.
My Administration is doing what it can to help people save money on heating costs and stay comfortable in their homes. It's not enough, but I've directed the Department of Health and Human Services to identify households that might be eligible for $40 million in discounts on their electric bills through Maine's Low Income Assistance Program.
Starting in November, thousands of eligible families who are customers of CMP or Versant will begin to see discounts ranging from 20 percent to 80 percent applied automatically every month to their electric bills. Families who already get federal assistance for home heating oil will also receive automatic discounts on their electric bills. This will ensure maximum savings without unnecessary paperwork. Contact your electric company directly with questions about that discount.
I've also called on Congress to increase funding for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, and I want to thank Maine's entire congressional delegation for their bipartisan support of this funding--despite the President's attempts to eliminate the program. Of course, that's just not enough to make up for the skyrocketing costs driven by the President's war. Congress has to ensure the safety and comfort of Maine families heading into this winter season by increasing federal funding for LIHEAP.
In the meantime, MaineHousing has already distributed about $4 million to heating fuel companies for some of our most vulnerable households, households with older adults on small incomes or households with small children. Those trucks have already begun delivering fuel to those homes.
Thankfully, because of our investments over the years in energy efficiency and clean energy, our state's reliance on heating oil has fallen from 70 percent of Maine households in 2010 to just over 50 percent now. We've got to do more, though.
My Administration will continue to make it as affordable as possible to transition to clean energy sources like heat pumps, to save people money, and make sure our households are not left in the cold.
If you're interested in exploring heat pumps or using wood or propane to heat your home instead of oil or kerosene, or if you're curious about energy assistance programs and weatherization. If you need contact information for local CAP agencies or MaineHousing, our Winter Heating Guide, published by the Maine Department of Energy Resources, has all that information, as well as helpful tips about winterizing and saving money, contact information, and links to online resources. You can view and download that Winter Heating Guide and review the latest heating fuel prices at www.Maine.gov/Energy.
This crisis affects all of us - low income, middle income, homeowners and renters alike, everyone who has a bill to pay this winter. But as the weather gets colder, I encourage all Maine people to see how they might save money and stay warm through the winter by using the latest Maine Winter Heating Guide. Again, found at Maine.gov/Energy. And look at your community newspapers for the local warming centers and overnight shelters for those who need them as well.
This is Governor Janet Mills. Please stay warm, and thank you for listening.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/node/4181
Gov. Newsom Names New California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building After Labor and Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta
SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Oct 30, 2026
Governor Newsom names new California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building after Labor and Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he is naming the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building in honor of pioneering labor leader Dolores Huerta.
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SACRAMENTO -- Today, Governor Newsom announced that California's new Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building will be formally named in
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SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Oct 30, 2026
Governor Newsom names new California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building after Labor and Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he is naming the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building in honor of pioneering labor leader Dolores Huerta.
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SACRAMENTO -- Today, Governor Newsom announced that California's new Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building will be formally named inhonor of Dolores Huerta -- the late labor leader, civil rights activist, and member of the California Hall of Fame.
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Dolores Huerta's legacy is inseparable from the story of California's labor movement. She stood shoulder to shoulder with farmworkers, helped build powerful unions, and fought to make sure working people had a voice, a seat at the table, and the dignity they deserved. Naming California's Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building in her honor is a lasting tribute to that legacy and a reminder that we have a responsibility to carry forward the progress she helped win for workers across this state. Every person who walks through those doors should be reminded of the standard she set: stand up for workers, expand opportunity, and keep pushing until people get the respect they deserve.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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California's new Labor and Workforce Development Agency Building officially opened on January 21, 2026. Images of the building are available here.
"Dolores Huerta lived a life of service with an unrelenting commitment to justice and the dignity of all people," said Stewart Knox, California Secretary of Labor. "We owe her an immeasurable debt of gratitude for her tireless advocacy on behalf of farmworkers and working families across the nation. Every person who walks through the doors of this building will be reminded of her enduring legacy and the mission she left for us all -- to continue to build a more just and equitable future."
Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom issued a statement on the passing of Dolores Huerta, available here.
The building houses approximately 2,500 state employees from the Labor & Workforce Development Agency, Employment Development Department (EDD), Department of Industrial Relations, and the California Workforce Development Board.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/10/30/governor-newsom-names-new-california-labor-and-workforce-development-agency-building-after-labor-and-civil-rights-icon-dolores-huerta/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Appointments
SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Oct 30, 2026
Governor Newsom announces appointments
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Michael Martin, of Highland, has been appointed to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Martin has been Senior Psychiatric Technician at the California Department of Developmental Services since 2022, where he was a Psychiatric Technician from 2020 to 2021. He was a Psychiatric Technician at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
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SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Oct 30, 2026
Governor Newsom announces appointments
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Michael Martin, of Highland, has been appointed to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Martin has been Senior Psychiatric Technician at the California Department of Developmental Services since 2022, where he was a Psychiatric Technician from 2020 to 2021. He was a Psychiatric Technician at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitationfrom 2020 to 2022. Martin was Administrator at ResCare from 2017 to 2019. He was a Psychiatric Technician at Patton State Hospital from 2009 to 2017. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Martin is registered without party preference.
Thomas Shaffer, of Murrieta, has been appointed to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Shaffer has been Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Space Mobility since 2026. He has been Chief Revenue Officer at TruArc Health since 2023. Shaffer has been Founder and President at Health Campus since 2021. He was Founder and Chief Executive Officer at New Power Inc. from 2013 to 2022. Shaffer was a Strategic Developer at Platinum Protection from 2007 to 2010. He was a Data Analyst at The Hershey Company from 2006 to 2007. Shaffer is board member of Covid Clinic. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Shaffer is registered without party preference.
Judy Corless, of Santa Ana, has been appointed to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Corless has been Chief Executive Officer at Venture Education Strategies, Inc since 2019, where she has been Senior Consultant since 2011. She has been a Consultant at the California Association of Colleges of Nursing since 2018. She is member of the California Medical Association Alliance. Corless earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing from West Haven University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Corless is a Republican.
Diane Gu, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Health Workforce Education and Training Council. Gu has been Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Kind Shark (R) Inc. since 2024. She was Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington from 2022 to 2025. Gu was a Fellow in the University President Leadership Program at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities from 2022 to 2023. She held multiple positions at the University of California, Los Angeles from 2012 to 2023, including Chancellor's Senior Advisor in Asia Pacific Philanthropy, Executive Director of Major Gifts and Strategic Initiatives, Faculty in the School of Educational and Information Studies, Director of Major and Strategic Initiatives, and Founding Director of University Initiatives. Gu was a Researcher at the National Science Foundation from 2009 to 2012. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Cultures from the University of Copenhagen. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $25 per diem. Gu is registered without party preference.
Kary "Lynn" Matsuda, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California State Board of Optometry. Matsuda has been Project Manager at JD Thompson & Associates, LLC since 2023. She has held multiple positions at Tri Counties Bank since 2024, including Integration Management Consultant and Management Consultant. Matsuda was an Operational Management Consultant at El Camino Group, LLC from 2015 to 2023. She was Senior Manager in the Customer Advocacy Department at Blue Shield of California from 2011 to 2012. Matsuda was Senior Vice President and Director in Customer Experience and Strategy at Wells Fargo from 2007 to 2011. She was Executive Vice President and Director of Operations at Placer Sierra Bank from 2003 to 2007. Matsuda is President of the Wyndham Waikiki Beach Walk Vacation Owners Association Board, board member of KVIE PBS and the Sacramento Zoo, and member of Impact 100 Greater Sacramento and the Northern California Time of Remembrance Committee. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Matsuda is a Democrat.
Avygail Sanchez, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California State Board of Pharmacy. Sanchez has been Senior Vice President in Government Relations at WSP since 2026. She was Executive Vice President in Business Strategy at Vanir from 2024 to 2026. Sanchez was Vice President and Principal Project Manager at Mott MacDonald in 2024. She was Executive Vice President in Sales and Government Relations at Vanir from 2023 to 2024. Sanchez was Founder and Chief Executive Officer at TQM Partners LLC from 2020 to 2023. She held multiple positions at HNTB from 2020 to 2022, including Director of Government Relations and Vice President of Business Development. Sanchez held multiple positions at Parsons Corp. from 2014 to 2020, including Vice President, Director of Political Affairs and Policy, Business Development Manager, and Senior Business Development Representative. She is member of the Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation Board. Sanchez earned a Master of Arts degree in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary's University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Sanchez is a Democrat.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/10/30/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-42/
Ahead of Election Day, Del. A.G. Jennings, Gov. Meyer, Commissioner Albence Remind Voters of Their Rights
DOVER, Delaware, Oct. 31 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release:
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Ahead of Election Day, AG Jennings, Gov. Meyer, Commissioner Albence remind voters of their rights
October 30, 2026
Attorney General Kathy Jennings, Gov. Matt Meyer, and the Delaware Department of Elections are reminding voters of their rights ahead of Delaware's general election.
"The right to vote is load-bearing: it is the right that holds up all of the other rights that we're entitled to as citizens," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "Delawareans should know that our agencies
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DOVER, Delaware, Oct. 31 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release:
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Ahead of Election Day, AG Jennings, Gov. Meyer, Commissioner Albence remind voters of their rights
October 30, 2026
Attorney General Kathy Jennings, Gov. Matt Meyer, and the Delaware Department of Elections are reminding voters of their rights ahead of Delaware's general election.
"The right to vote is load-bearing: it is the right that holds up all of the other rights that we're entitled to as citizens," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "Delawareans should know that our agenciesare working hard to ensure that the exercise of that right continues to be easy, safe, and secure -- no matter what."
"Voting is the fundamental right that sustains our democracy," said Governor Matt Meyer. "It is how the American people choose their leaders and hold those leaders accountable. Make no mistake, Delaware will continue to protect eligible voters, support our election workers and defend lawful election results, regardless of who wins."
"The Delaware Department of Elections is committed to administering secure, fair, accessible, accurate, and impartial elections for all Delaware voters," said State Election Commissioner Anthony Albence. "The Department works diligently to ensure that every eligible Delaware voter has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote."
Know your rights.
We remind the public of their voting rights and First Amendment rights:
* If you are registered to vote, you are entitled to vote.
* You can't be coerced, threatened, hindered or intimidated by any person or corporation when voting.
* You can vote if you are in line when polls close at 8 p.m. on November 3.
* If you make a mistake on your ballot, you can ask a poll worker for a new one.
* If voting machines are down at your polling place, you can ask for a paper ballot.
* If your name isn't in the poll book, you can still vote with a provisional ballot. You'll be notified in writing when you vote as to how you can find out whether your vote was counted, and if not, why not.
* If you are blind or physically disabled, you can bring up to two people to help you vote.
* If you moved or changed your name without telling the Department of Elections, you can vote at the polling place of your address on Election Day by correcting your name and address on Election Day before you vote.
* If you need help in the voting booth, two elections officers from different parties have to help at the same time. They cannot influence your decision, and they must leave the voting booth before you cast your vote.
* Electioneering laws specifically pertain to advocacy for candidates, partisan topics, and "issues on the ballot"; voters are free to enter voting rooms while wearing t-shirts or slogans relating to non-partisan issues (e.g., "Black Lives Matter" or "Blue Lives Matter").
* All polling places should be physically accessible. Voters with disabilities, including voters who are blind, are entitled to at least one accessible voting machine at the polling place under the Help America Vote Act. Delaware's voting machines all have full accessibility features.
* Campaign staff and volunteers are allowed to contact voters in person or by phone, irrespective of "No Soliciting" signs, but are also prohibited from doing so within 50 feet of the entrance to a polling location.
Voters who are concerned about a perceived threat to their safety should call 911; voters who are concerned about any other problem can contact the Department of Elections' voter hotline at (302) 739-4277.
The law protects your rights.
The DOJ's Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust (DCRPT) has provided law enforcement with written guidance listing possible Title 11 and Title 15 offenses that could be encountered on Election Day. DOJ investigators in all three counties will staff a hotline for law enforcement to contact in the event of illegal activity, including:
* Voter intimidation, whether armed or unarmed:
- Menacing (placing someone in fear of imminent physical injury)
- Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree (risk of injury) and Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (risk of death)
Improper Influence (threatening harm to a public servant, party officer, or any other person to influence their decision)
- Harassment and/or Terroristic Threatening (threatening to commit any crime likely to result in death or serious injury, or making a false statement that could cause evacuation of a building/facility or cause serious inconvenience)
- Criminal Nuisance (endangering the health or safety of others)
- Breach of Peace or Threat of Violence with intent to impede lawful election proceedings
- Entering a voting room for a reason other than voting, including to disrupt the election, or attempting to take charge of a voting room
- Impersonating law enforcement
- Persons other than duly-appointed election officers questioning voters about their credentials
- Impeding or delaying voters by asking for identification, videotaping, photographing, or otherwise making visual records of voters or their vehicles
- Crimes committed while armed on school property may be aggravated to higher-level offenses
- Deprivation of Civil Rights
* Fraudulent voting:
- Impersonating another voter
- Knowingly voting more than once
- Voting out of district
- Interfering with election officers in the discharge of their duties
- Stealing, breaking, concealing, or removing a ballot box
- Defacing, altering, destroying, or concealing any submitted ballot
- Bribery, persuasion, or intimidation of voters by an election officer
* Illegal electioneering:
- Advocating for candidates or partisan topics/issues; displaying or distributing materials referring to candidates or partisan topics/issues on the ballot; or projecting sound referring to said candidates from loudspeakers or otherwise into the polling place or the area within 50 feet of the entrance to the building in which the voting room is located.
Federal monitors will not interfere.
Voters may know that the U.S. Department of Justice is placing federal election monitors in Delaware and other states on Election Day. Federal election monitors are a normal, lawful presence in America's elections under the Voting Rights Act of 1965; federal election monitors have observed voting without incident under prior Democratic and prior Republican presidents. Delawareans' voting rights are uncompromised.
The U.S. Constitution clearly reserves for the states and Congress the authority to administer and regulate elections. Federal monitors' jobs are to ensure that voters' federal rights are honored and to be available as fact witnesses if voters' rights are compromised.
The Delaware Department of Justice is in regular communication with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Delaware to ensure that voters can cast their ballots freely and securely. Federal monitors are federal employees who will cooperate with state and local authorities and comply with all state laws, including Delaware law barring them from entering polling locations without an escort. They may ask voters outside of polling places for an interview about the voting experience. They cannot compel voters to speak to them. Voters are free to refuse the request or may agree to answer questions only anonymously. Monitors will not be armed, nor interfere with, obstruct, or intimidate voters entering the polls; pursuant to state and federal law, including 18 U.S.C. 592, armed federal law enforcement agents may not be inside or near polling locations.
Delaware is using every tool to keep voting easy, safe, and secure.
Delaware's civil and public safety authorities--including the Delaware Department of Elections, the Delaware Department of Safety & Homeland Security, the Delaware Department of Technology & Information, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Delaware National Guard, and Delaware DOJ staff in the Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust, Civil Division, Office of Impact Litigation, and Office of the Attorney General--have been actively preparing for the 2026 election both internally and in coordination under Governor Matt Meyer's Election Security Task Force. That includes, but is not limited to:
* DOJ and the Department of Elections have trained Delaware's poll workers and will be staffing the state's voter hotline at (302) 739-4277
* DOJ, police, and civilian authorities have drilled coordinated responses to any potential election, pre-election, or post-election disruption and will ensure that voters are able to cast their ballots lawfully--no matter what.
* DOJ's election attorneys will be on call to provide rapid-response legal counsel to Delaware election workers.
* The Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust is on call to consult with law enforcement on any instances of voter intimidation or criminal obstruction of voting rights. DCRPT investigators are deployed statewide to serve, if needed, as fact witnesses and to support state and local law enforcement.
* The Office of Impact Litigation is prepared, in the event of election interference, to file emergency litigation.
* Communications staff and legal counsel from the Delaware Department of Justice and every member agency of the Election Security Task Force will staff a statewide Elections Joint Information Center (Elections JIC) from 6 a.m. on November 3 to 1 a.m. on November 4 in order to ensure prompt, consistent, and accurate communication with the media and public.
The DOJ reminds voters to exercise patience, both on Election Day toward poll workers and other voters, and with potential delays in the subsequent days as the results of national elections are tallied across the country.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/10/30/ahead-of-election-day-ag-jennings-gov-meyer-commissioner-albence-remind-voters-of-their-rights/
