Delaware residents to vote in special election Saturday

Christiana residents will have the opportunity to vote in a special election Saturday to elect a State Representative in Delaware’s 18th district.

Voters will choose between Democrat David Bentz and Republican Eileen O’Shaughnessy-Coleman to fill the seat of former Democratic Rep. Michael Barbieri.

Barbieri stepped down Aug. 3 to become the new director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the Department of Health and Social Services.

The winner of the special election will serve through the general election in November, 2016.

Bentz is a 29-year-old legislative aide who says his experience at Legislative Hall prepares him for the position as Representative.

O’Shaughnessy-Coleman is a former non-profit leader who has been a stay at home mother for several years, raising five children, including two with special needs. She said her life experience helps her connect to her constituents.

Both candidates say education and the job market are a top priority for them.

On Saturday polls will open at 7 a .m. and close at 8 p.m. Polling stations will be held at several schools in the Newark, Bear and New Castle areas. Results will be posted on elections.delaware.gov, where voters also can find more information on how to vote.