It is with a very sad heart that we share this news: One of Delawares finest models of good citizenship, champions of civics education, and frequent presenter at our Democracy Projects summer institutesElaine Manlovewas killed on Monday, November 2, along with her husband in a tragic car accident.
Elaine, former Commissioner of Elections for the State of Delaware, orchestrated almost every mock election offered to teachers and students over the past twenty years. Many of you may remember Elaine as she oversaw the enormously impressive Mock Election Conventions held in Legislative Hall during which the student mock election results were announced and broadcast with students and teachers in attendance, and with awards presented to schools and districts for a range of achievements such as highest participation rates and most spirited delegates. Elaine also helped make it possible for us to offer teachers and students the first opportunities to observe Delawares electoral college proceedings (which were broadcast and viewed around the world).
Equally impressive was the manner in which Elaine modeled and exhibited the finest qualities of citizenship that we hope to develop in our students, and that we hope to witness in all of Americas citizens. For as long as we can remember, Elaine has been active in Delaware politics, always taking action in positive and civil ways to advance the common good. As Commissioner of Elections, Elaine took seriously her charge to ensure free and fair elections, and always responded to requests to share her knowledge of elections with Delawares teachers.
While deeply sad, it is fitting that Elaine parted this life on the eve of one of the nations most important elections, one in which voter turnout is near historic, and one in which the first Delawarean is on the ballot for President of the United States. We are confident that one of her last wishes is that the citizens of the First State, regardless of their political party or how they might vote, take time to exercise their right to vote, respect those who have the courage to run, and accept the results in ways that honor the values and principles to which the American people have always committed and that we all share proudly.
We are sure that she would also want to remind all of us to live each day as if it were our last and to make sure that those we love never have to ask.
Elaine, as social studies teachers, we'd want you to know that we have submitted your name as our write-in choice for what your good friend and UD Professor James Soles once described with conviction as the nations highest officethat of citizen, but in your casewith distinguished honors. We will miss you but commit to carrying on your legacy.
Be at peace Elaine.
Sincerely,
Ed Freel and Fran O'Malley
Democracy Project
