Corporations can vote in some Delaware elections, judge says
5 hours ago
- #corporate voting
- #Delaware law
- #legal ruling
- A Delaware judge ruled that artificial entities such as corporations, partnerships, trusts, and LLCs have the right to vote in local elections under certain circumstances.
- The decision dismissed an ACLU challenge to a charter allowing entity voting in Fenwick Island, citing the principle of 'one person/entity/one vote.'
- The judge noted that Delaware law recognizes these entities as 'persons,' despite concerns about corporate control over local governance.
- This case highlights broader debates over corporate personhood and campaign finance following the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision.
- Delaware's economy relies heavily on fees from over 2 million business entities chartered there, influencing its legal stance on corporate rights.
- The ACLU's constitutional arguments were rejected, including claims that entity voting dilutes the political power of natural persons.