DE HB277

Adds a one-year minimum residency requirement in the Town of Laurel for candidates for Mayor, Town Councilmen (all wards), and Councilmen-At-Large at the time of filing their Candidate Filing Form.

Establishes that candidates cannot have been convicted of an unpardonned felony or any crime that disqualifies a person from holding an office of trust, honor or profit under Article II, Section 21 of the Delaware Constitution.

Requires all Candidate Filing Forms to be completed and signed before a notary public, with the notarized signature constituting the candidate's oath that they meet all qualifications for office.

Mandates the Board of Election review all Candidate Filing Forms within five calendar days to verify completeness and candidate eligibility, and denies signature approval for unqualified candidates.

Specifies that all qualifications for Mayor and Town Councilman are continuing requirements, and failure to maintain any qualification during the term creates a vacancy in the office.