This session, the General Assembly voted to move all May local elections to November. Town Council will discuss the implications at a special meeting on May 6th.
Many cities and counties already hold local elections in November, and all localities currently have the option to switch from May to November. But 16 cities and roughly 100 towns still hold elections in May.
Supporters of the bill say low-turnout May elections are undemocratic, with fewer voters involved in important contests for local school board positions, council seats and mayorships.
Cape Charles is still researching what the changes of moving the upcoming elections to November means for the town. The Virginia Municipal League (VML) informed the towns many localities were pursuing ordinance changes to move elections from even years to odd years, to coincide with state elections. It was recommended to do so as soon as possible since moving elections to odd years would essentially move the election up to November 2021 and candidate filing deadlines were in June.
After discussions with Northampton County Registrar Terry Flynn it was discovered that, a number of years ago, most of the incorporated towns in Northampton County changed their elections to November of even years. T
This issue will be discussed by Council at their special meeting on May 6.
Bob says
Makes sense
TOO many elections spread out are basically a big pain in the ass so most often people ignore some .