Big decisions will be made in Charlottesville's primary elections • Charlottesville Tomorrow

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Thursday, May 18, 2023

If you want to vote for Charlottesville’s next City Council members, don’t wait until November. This year, it’s looking like the primary election is going to be the place where our next city leaders will be selected.

Local Republican leaders said they will not be fielding any candidates, and no Independent candidates have stepped forward yet. But there are five Democratic candidates for City Council, and only three will move forward from the Primary to run for the three open seats in the general election.

“There is a strong chance that there are only as many named candidates on the November ballot as positions,” Charlottesville Chief Deputy Registrar Joshua D. Jenkins told Charlottesville Tomorrow. That means the three who win the primary will likely be the only candidates on the ballot.

Four people sit in chairs in a row with a white wall and flag behind them. — Credit: Eileen Goode/Charlottesville Tomorrow

Here’s why Primary Day could be City Council Election Day in Charlottesville

We’re sending this email now, instead of our usual Friday, because the deadline to register to vote is coming — soon! Virginia residents, you have until next Sunday, May 28, to submit your registration online or by mail. We have more details about how to vote in the story..

You don’t have to be a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic Primary. So, any Republicans or other party members out there who want a say in which Democrats head to the election this fall — go ahead and vote in the primary!

And help us keep election coverage going! If you open up these emails and have never been a supporter, we’re looking for 100 new supporters in May!

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For people at the front of a classroom sitting on chairs and talking

Democratic state senate candidates Hudson and Deeds debate the need for a new generation of legislators versus the value of seniority

Another important primary race in Charlottesville is for our State Senator. Del. Sally Hudson is challenging incumbent Sen. Creigh Deeds in the Democratic primary. We hosted a debate between those two last month with students at the UVA Center for Politics. You can watch the video of that debate here to see for yourself how these two candidates — with quite similar platforms — differ.

Cardinal News recently wrote a very informative article about the matchup. For local voters, it is a decision between experience and generational change.

And while we’re on the topic of primary elections, Charlottesville needs more poll workers to make it happen this year. The Daily Progress just came out with an article this week about the shortage. If you’re interested in filling the void, this is where you apply.

Get out there and vote if you’re eligible, everybody!

Jessie Higgins, managing editor