In Virginia, Boards of Supervisors govern counties and members are elected to four-year terms. Among other duties, the members oversee the county budget, set tax rates, and approve zoning regulations. 

Madison County is the only county we cover that elects its Board of Supervisors members at-large. This means that instead of separating the county into districts, the candidates are elected by all voters in the county. 

This also means that in some elections, even though there are multiple candidates running, there are not enough candidates to make it a contested election. That is the case this year, as three candidates are running for three open seats. 

Out of the three, James Jewett is the only incumbent. He is joined by Michael Snider and Nancy L. Sharman.

Though Jewett, Sharman and Snider are the only candidates certified by the Virginia Department of Elections, voters can write in other candidates.  

Charlottesville Tomorrow sent the candidates a few questions informed by a voter survey. Sharman replied, and those responses are below. 

Snider and Jewett did not reply. You can use the information in their campaigns provided to the Virginia State Department of Elections, searchable by last name, if you would like to reach out to them yourself.

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What is your view on development in Madison County?

Nancy L. Sharman: Madisonians need to develop Madison County from within, by using our rich base of scenery including the Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline drive, our agriculture, and our forever placement in American history.

Michael Snider: Did not respond.

James Jewett: Did not respond.

What about economic development?

Sharman: Economic development needs to come from the people. Our farm lands are abundant with animal stock and growing abilities of all types of agriculture. Homes and businesses need to be planned and built to ensure our families’ ability to stay in Madison, work in Madison, and live in Madison.

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

What is your opinion on data centers in Madison County?

Sharman: Data centers are being investigated presently to see if they would be  helpful for our county. At present there is an ongoing search to see about their sustainability, cost and fit for us at this time. As a candidate for Board of Supervisors my vote would absolutely be “not now” and “probably not later,” too!

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

What is your opinion on solar farms in Madison County?

Sharman: I believe solar panels have their place on the roofs of private homes or in yard areas. There is not a good cost-benefit outcome for commercial solar panels at this time in Madison County. This subject may be brought to the Board of Supervisors for acceptance at which time I will vote “no”.

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

Broadband internet access remains spotty in some areas of Madison County. Do you as a supervisor plan to help improve access? If so, how?

Sharman: Internet service has been spotty since it first reached our Blue Ridge community. Due to mountains, valleys, and trees internet service has been inconsistent. The internet companies are working diligently to right this inconvenience and sadly it may be years still until broadband is obtainable and online throughout the county. However, as a member of the Board of Supervisors member I will be diligent in working with new ideas, easier connections, and faster service. Better access to affordable, good, powerful internet should be available to all Madisonians.’

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

Like many rural districts, Madison County Schools has significant resource constraints. Do you as a supervisor support any plans to increase school funding?

Sharman: The good news and the bad news is that our rural Madison County school system is one of the Commonwealth’s smallest public school systems.* What we do have are the riches that come with a closely knit community. But there are many state and federal mandates imposed upon our schools but we don’t receive the funding necessary to cover those extra costs. As a member of the Madison County Board of Supervisors I will be diligent in working for our school system to be sure our students will finish with the education that completes for them a great foundation for their future.

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

*Editor’s note: According to the 2024-2025 school year fall enrollment data collected by the Virginia Department of Education (the Fall Membership report), Madison County is the 30th smallest school division of the 131 divisions across the state.

Like many areas in central Virginia, Madison County has and could face challenges from severe weather events, including heavy rainstorms and prolonged droughts that climate scientists predict will become more frequent in the future. What do you think the county’s Board of Supervisors should do to prepare?

Sharman: Madison County will be alert and prepared in any times of distress and prolonged droughts and/or fires. Our emergency team is always at its best and in workable form. Our weather is unpredictable as it is everywhere. The Board of Supervisors will stay supportive of our fantastic emergency management team and never lose sight of our gratitude for our first responders. Madison County’s people always have each others’ backs when danger or security are jeopardized.

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

Access to health care is a challenge for some Madison County residents. Do you see this as an issue the Board of Supervisors can help address? If so, how?

Sharman: Health care in Madison almost always requires a journey to another county. As a Supervisor I would like to see an urgent care facility in Madison, and bring in more primary care and elder care physicians. A prepared healthcare facility that can treat patients without long delayed appointment times would be an absolute blessing.

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

What do you think about local law enforcement working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement?

Sharman: As a member of the Board of Supervisors I would be in full support of our law enforcement authorities working directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Public safety is our top priority especially for our children and all of our Madison County citizens.

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

Are there any other pressing issues facing Madison County you wish voters to know about?

Sharman: As a Board of Supervisors candidate my campaign theme is: Preparing the Future, Preserving the Past. Madison County is rich in history, forestry, agriculture, agri-tourism and beauty beyond words. Together we can develop from within and as we dream and build it will benefit all who live here and all who can’t wait to visit. Madison County is on the cusp of a New Frontier. So grateful I am to be a part of it all!! Thank you Madisonians for your vote!!

Snider: Did not respond.

Jewett: Did not respond.

More about the candidate and issues

• Sharman’s campaign contributions, from the Virginia Public Access Project
• Jewett’s campaign contributions, from the Virginia Public Access Project
• Snider’s campaign contributions, from the Virginia Public Access Project

Here are key dates and deadlines in the 2025 elections

Friday, May 2, 2025	Early voting for primaries begins weekdays at local registrar’s offices.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025	Deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration for the primary election. You can still vote in the primary if you miss this deadline by registering at the polling place and casting a provisional ballot. You do not have to be a member of a political party to vote in that party’s primary election. However, you can only vote in one party’s primary election each year.
Friday, June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m.	Deadline to apply for your ballot to be mailed to you. Requests must be received by your local registrar’s offices by 5 p.m.
Friday, June 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m.	Deadline to apply online for an absentee ballot using the Citizen Portal.
Saturday, June 7, 2025	Local voter registration offices open on Saturdays for early voting for primaries.
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m.	Early voting for primaries ends at local registrar’s offices.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025	Primary Election Day!
Friday, Sept. 19 to Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 5:00 p.m.	Check with your local registrar’s office for early in-person voting.
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, 5:00 p.m.	Deadline to apply with your local registrar’s office for a ballot to be mailed to you.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025	Election Day!

We will update this list periodically as deadlines approach or we receive new information.

Register to vote, check your registration, find your polling places and apply to vote absentee at the Virginia Department of Elections here. Remember, even if you miss registration deadlines, you can register through Election Day and vote using a provisional ballot.

Need to know if you’re eligible to vote? Here are resources from the Virginia Department of Elections.