In Virginia, clerks of Circuit Court are elected for eight-year terms and have a range of duties, including making sure the public has access to Circuit Court systems. Leeta D. Louk is the incumbent and is running unopposed for the office of Clerk of Circuit Court for Madison County.

Louk has served as clerk in Madison County since 2015. She was appointed to the position outside of an election cycle to replace the previous clerk, Linda M. Parrish, who left before her term ended. Louk was elected to the position that November. She was the only candidate. Louk was also the only candidate certified by the Virginia Department of Elections this year, though voters can write in other candidates’ names if they choose.

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire based on over 200 responses we received to a voter survey. Louk answered these questions by email in August.

Can you explain what the job of clerk of court is and why you are running?

Leeta D. Louk: There are over 800 duties described in the Code of Virginia for Circuit Court Clerk. I believe the Clerk’s Office is the nucleus of the county. The Clerk’s Office serves the citizens of this county in numerous ways.

We record and index/scan all land records, judgments and financing statements for the County and collect the taxes and fees for those documents. We issue marriage licenses, concealed handgun permits, we probate estates and help our citizens maneuver through the necessary paperwork during what is an emotional time having lost a loved one. We process the paperwork for civil cases and criminal cases, maintain the Court’s docket, assist with courtroom activities and are responsible for jury management. We work closely with the Treasurer’s Office, Commissioner of Revenue, the Sheriff’s Office, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, the Department of Social Services, attorneys, plaintiffs and defendants, victims and citizens of our county and of the Commonwealth.

One of our most important jobs is that we are the keeper of the records, which I take very seriously. We maintain records for Madison County going back to December 1792.

I am seeking re-election to the Clerk’s position because I believe this is one of the greatest jobs in the Commonwealth. I enjoy helping and working with the citizens of Madison County. I truly love my job and feel fortunate to be able to perform these duties in this beautiful county.

Has your position ever been contested? Why do you think there aren’t more candidates for these positions in central Virginia?

Louk: The position has not been contested during both elections that I have been a candidate.

What are the biggest challenges facing the office?

Louk: One of the biggest challenges facing our office is keeping up with technology and determining whether the newest technology is beneficial and cost effective for our office. Of course, funding is always a challenge for our office.

Do you have any certifications or qualifications you want voters to know about?

Louk: I have been with the Madison Circuit Court Clerk’s Office for almost 34 years. I began my career as a microfilm technician and have advanced to Deputy Clerk, Chief Deputy Clerk and I have been the Clerk for the last eight years. I have taken several courses offered by the Department of Judicial Services.

As you get ready to vote, here are some key dates and links from the Virginia Department of Elections:

Polls in Virginia close at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, night. The Virginia Department of Elections will publish election results in real time, as they arrive from precincts around the state. To view them, head to this link. These are unofficial results until they are certified. Here’s more about how to get election results.

Sept. 22: First day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office.
Oct. 16: Deadline to register to vote, or update an existing registration. You can also register after this date, and on election day, but you will vote with a provisional ballot, could take longer for officials to count because they will verify your eligibility.
Oct. 27: Deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you. Your request must be received by your local registrar by 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 28: Voter registration offices open for early voting.
Nov. 4: The last day of in-person early voting at your registrar.
Nov. 7: Election Day. Here is where you can find your polling place.

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