The Georgetown Town Council meeting on May 27, 2025, focused primarily on the first reading of Ordinance 2025-05, which aims to amend absentee voting and voter registration procedures in the town.

The ordinance introduces several key changes to enhance the absentee voting process. It clarifies that any qualified voter unable to cast their ballot on the day of the municipal election for specific reasons, or any other reason allowed under Delaware law, will be entitled to vote absentee. This change is intended to ensure broader access to voting for residents.

Additionally, the ordinance modifies the requirements for obtaining an absentee ballot. Applicants will now need to file an affidavit confirming their residency in Georgetown. The ordinance also updates the terminology regarding absentee votes, changing references from "register of absentee votes" to "file of absentee votes." This adjustment aims to improve the tracking and detection of potential voting fraud.

Another significant change involves voter registration. The ordinance states that residents are no longer required to register multiple times, as the town will utilize the state's Department of Elections for maintaining voter rolls. This streamlining is expected to simplify the registration process for residents.

The council discussed these amendments, with no immediate comments from members. The ordinance will remain open for public comment for an additional 14 days, allowing residents to voice their opinions or concerns.

Overall, these proposed changes reflect Georgetown's commitment to improving voter accessibility and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The council's next steps will involve reviewing public feedback before finalizing the ordinance.