Update: Former Del. Elections Commissioner, Husband Killed In Crash
Delaware’s former Elections Commissioner Elaine Manlove and her husband Wayne, who resided in Ocean View, died Monday in a collision with a tractor trailer on Route 13 in New Castle County.
Senator Tom Carper released this statement:
“Martha and I are devastated to learn of the passing of Elaine and her husband, Wayne. Elaine was a consummate public servant, a visionary and incredibly committed to honest and secure elections. One of her greatest professional achievements over her 12 years as Elections Commissioner was modernizing Delaware’s voting machines, as well as working with the education community to bring elections and civics lessons into Delaware’s classrooms. It’s a cruel irony that her passing occurred on the eve of Election Day after she dedicated her life to protecting the integrity of the elections we hold so dear. Elaine and Wayne recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, and my heart goes out to their children and grandchildren today. May we honor Elaine by ensuring that, this Election Day, every person who wants to vote can vote, and every ballot that is casted is counted. I know that so many across Delaware will be thinking of Elaine today.”
Governor John Carney also offered this tribute:
“Tracey and I are devastated by the tragic news about Elaine Manlove and her husband, Wayne. I’ve known Elaine since our days working together for New Castle County Executive Dennis Greenhouse in the early 1990s. Elaine was one of the most positive people I’ve ever known—and could light up any room. We are praying hard for Elaine and Wayne’s children, their entire family and many friends. Elaine spent the last two decades protecting our fundamental right to vote—12 of those years as Delaware’s Elections Commissioner. She delayed her retirement to help prepare for the unprecedented challenges of the 2020 election. Elaine and Election Day have been one and the same for years. She was a public servant and a good friend. We are also sending strength today to Elaine’s second family at the Department of Elections. This is not an easy day for them, but I know they will be working hard to protect our democracy and make Elaine proud.”
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings released this statement:
It is especially painful to learn of Elaine and Wayne’s passing on Election Day — a day that she dedicated so much of her career to administering and defending. Elaine was a delightful human being, and a friend to me and to so many others in the Department of Justice, and I share the heartbreak that so many are feeling across our state. We are holding the Manlove family and the entire Department of Elections team in our hearts today.
Delaware State Police say their vehicle was stopped in the right lane at the intersection with Red Lion Road, and the truck failed to stop. The tractor-trailer struck the Chevrolet Equinox, which spun out of control and struck a tree.
The investigation into the fatal accident continues. Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to contact the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8486 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
