Delaware voters historically chose President in elections

Since 1952, Delaware has voted for the eventual president every time but twice, according to a recent report in the New York Times.

While the state aligns itself with popular candidates, some Delawareans claim their state has a political identity. Nick Manolakos (R-Hockessin), the representative of the 20th district in Delaware, said individual areas of the state have dissimilar political views.

He said the southern and more rural Sussex County is conservative compared to Kent and New Castle Counties. 

“I think overall it is more conservative except down in the beach communities which tend to be more liberal and are generally transplants,” Manolakos said. “The farming communities generally have different values and ideals than the other communities.”

Junior Katrina Bleeker said she does not think Delaware plays a large role in the national election, however.

“They have an effect, though it may be limited,” Bleeker said.

Sophomore Zachary Pinkowski said he thinks the state has an active political atmosphere.

He said he thinks voting is important regardless of how much an effect the vote has.

“Of course it is important to vote for the president, it is our civic obligation,” Pinkowski said.

Manolakos said he thought the state made progress recently when it came to creating a national profile. He said the political identity is becoming more important to the nation.

“Recently in discussion we have fleshed out Delaware’s changing identity and importance to the Electoral College,” he said.

Junior Jordan Blackbird said even though the state has a low population, that does not affect its importance in the Electoral College. She thinks the state’s three electoral votes are significant. 

She said she thinks students should vote no matter where they are from. She said it is important they pay attention to the campaigns and become politically conscious. 

“[Vote] so long as you’re making an informed vote,” Blackbird said.