Judge Craig A. Karsnitz ruled Tuesday that corporations, partnerships, trusts and LLCs may vote in certain Delaware local elections. The decision upheld a charter that lets owners of most property in the town of Fenwick Island cast ballots alongside residents. Karsnitz invoked the “one person/entity/one vote” principle to dismiss the ACLU challenge.

The ruling surfaces amid a long‑standing battle over corporate free‑speech rights that intensified after the 2010 Citizens United decision, which equated political spending with protected speech. Delaware, home to more than two million chartered entities, derives billions of dollars annually from filing fees, making corporate personhood a fiscal cornerstone. Critics argue entity voting amplifies the “dark money” influence already evident in national races.

Judge Karsnitz rejected every constitutional claim the ACLU presented, noting the suit failed to show discrimination based on race, partisanship, or that entity blocs routinely outvoted natural persons. The town’s representation came from Brockstedt Mandalas Federico LLC, while the ACLU defended its position with counsel. The decision leaves charters in Delaware unchanged. The ruling reinforces the footing of entity voting for future charter revisions.