Ed. — A version of this story appeared in the Sunday, Nov. 19, print edition. This has been updated with additional information about a planned forum for candidates and dates for early voting.
VIRGINIA BEACH — Three people will be on the ballot in the upcoming special election to represent the District 1 seat on the Virginia Beach City Council.
The Virginia Beach Voter Registration & Elections Department on Wednesday, Nov. 15, completed its review of candidate paperwork and reported that Teresa Gladney, David “Hutch” Hutcheson and John Napier have qualified for the ballot.
Early in-person voting is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Voter Registration & Elections Office, 2449 Princess Anne Road. The special election date is Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Gladney, a former small business owner who also operated a nonprofit, said during an interview that she has a little bit of anxiety at the prospect of seeking office but wants to serve her community.
“I’m excited at the same time,” she said.
Hutcheson, president of the Woodstock Civic League and the city’s former fire chief, said he feels it is his time to step up after a career in public service and work in a small family busines.
“I’m sure they’re all good people,” he said of his fellow candidates. “We are all trying to do the right thing and serve the good people of District 1.”
Napier, an attorney who also owns a mediation consulting business, said he’s excited to be part of the process and work for “the future of the citizens of District 1 and hopefully get a chance serve on City Council.”
The Hampton Roads Black Caucus is scheduled to host a public forum featuring the candidates at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia, 4857 Baxter Road.
Ron Taylor, president of the Hampton Roads Black Caucus, said the event will be moderated and citizens will have opportunities to submit questions.
“We’re trying to give District 1 citizens the opportunity to engage with the candidates so when they go to the polls they know who they’re voting for,” Taylor said.
People who want to attend are asked to reserve a spot online via vbcandidateforum.eventbrite.com.
At one point, it appeared either four or five people might seek the seat, but two anticipated names did not materialize.
Melissa Peck, a librarian who ran in the previous special election for the seat this past year, did not complete paperwork and will not appear on the ballot, according to the city registrar’s office. Peck did not return a call.
And Ryan Gilliam, president of the Brigadoon Civic League, had planned to run but decided that he did not want to dilute the vote in a race with multiple candidates. He said he’ll support Gladney.
City officials on Tuesday, Nov. 21, announced a series of important dates and information for voters in the special election.
- Early in-person voting begins Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Voter Registration & Elections Office, 2449 Princess Anne Road. It is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, until Saturday, Jan. 6.
- In-person voting is not available on Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1, due to holiday closures.
- The deadline for requesting a ballot by mail is 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29.
- Only residents living with District 1 can vote in this special election.
- Visit the Voter Registration & Elections office webpage for further information.
- Sample ballot guides are available at this link.
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