Information Charlottesville

Localities in Virginia have the ability to institute a new way of casting ballots whose proponents say would encourage more people to vote and run for office. But Albemarle’s new registrar told the Board of Supervisors earlier this month that more time is needed to implement ranked choice ballots. 

“There are significant unresolved technical and legal issues that affect the implementation of ranked choice voting in 2023 elections,” said Lauren Eddy, Albemarle’s Director of Elections.

Tomorrow the Albemarle Board of Supervisors will discuss what the Electoral Board might need if a directive was given to adopt an alternative method of selecting candidates. Earlier this month, Delegate Sally Hudson (D-57) briefed the elected officials with control over elections policy on what’s known as ranked choice voting. 

“Ranked choice voting is an election reform that is now being adopted across the country, both coasts and everywhere in between,” Hudson said. 

Now that she’s announced a candidacy for the 55th District in the House of Delegates, Albemarle Supervisor Donna Price has announced she will not seek a second term representing the Scottsville Magisterial District.  She made a Facebook post on Saturday. 

“I will continue to dedicate my service to the County through the end of my term, be it January 2024 (the natural end of my four year term), or January 2023 (should there be a House of Delegates election this year and I am elected to commence service with that body at that time,” Price wrote.

Albemarle County is seeking input on how the lines for the county’s magisterial districts should be redrawn following the U.S. Census.  Jake Washburne is Albemarle’s registar. 

“The state completed the redistricting of the state and Congressional districts on [December 28],” Washburne said. 

Ned Gallaway has announced he will seek a second term to represent the Rio District on the Albemarle Board of Supervisors. Gallaway was first elected in 2017 as a Democrat after running unopposed. 

“Four years ago when I ran, I said that my priorities would be public education, public safety and economic development and I feel that after four budgets and many votes that I have stayed true or focused on those priorities,” Gallaway said. 

Albemarle Supervisor Diantha McKeel took to the steps of the county office building in downtown Charlottesville Tuesday morning to announce her campaign to seek a third term representing the Jack Jouett District on the Board of Supervisors. 

“Four years ago I promised collaborative work in regional partnerships to strengthen business retention and expansion to create mid-level job opportunities,” McKeel said. “To integrate land use and multimodal transportation improvements, strengthen our investment in public safety services, expand affordable housing, and create a community resiliency plan to addres the damaging impacts from climate change.”