What are the requirements for special elections?

In Virginia, special elections are held to fill a vacancy in the General Assembly or for a local office when the office is not otherwise up for election at the regular election cycle. Special elections must be held on different dates for different offices and are typically held within 30 to 60 days of the vacancy. In order to hold a special election, the local governing body must first declare a vacancy in the office. The governing body must then set a date for the special election, which must be within the time frame detailed above. Once the date is set, the Secretary of the Commonwealth must receive notice and then will issue a writ of election. This writ will include details about where, when, and how the election will be conducted. Candidates for office must be qualified and properly registered according to state and local requirements. Employers are legally required to allow employees to take time off to vote in special elections. All votes must be counted according to election laws and the Virginia Voter ID law. The Virginia Department of Elections must certify the results of the election with the Governor and the General Assembly. Special elections are typically conducted by the local governing body, however, the Secretary of the Commonwealth may direct any elections, including special elections.

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What are the requirements for special elections?

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