Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Gov. Ralph Northam invoked his statutory authority Friday, April 24, to postpone the May general and special elections by two weeks, from May 5 to May 19.

Elections are scheduled in 56 localities across the commonwealth. The governor also moved the June primary elections from June 9 to June 23.

Previously, Northam requested the General Assembly move the May general election and all special elections scheduled for May 5 to the November 3 general election date. The House of Delegates approved the measure, but the Senate did not pass the recommendation.

With the Town of Farmville general election for town council now set for May 19, Lynette Wright, director of elections for Prince Edward County, is encouraging voters to protect their health during the COVID -19 pandemic.

“Voting absentee by mail in the coming local May elections is strongly encouraged,” Wright said. “Voters may choose reason ‘2A my disability or illness’ for absentee voting in the May 2020 elections due to COVID-19.”

Candidates on the May 19 town ballot are — Member Town Council At-Large – Daniel Edward Dwyer, who is an incumbent and Carl U. Eggleston.

Member Town Council Ward D- Donald L. Hunter. Hunter is an incumbent and running unopposed.

Member Town Council Ward E – Sallie Overton Amos. Amos is seeking the seat currently held by Jamie Davis. Davis is not seeking reelection.

“Virginians should never have to choose between casting a ballot and risking their health,” Governor Northam said. “I am grateful to the House of Delegates for taking action to move our upcoming elections, but unfortunately, the Senate failed to make the same common sense decision. While we strongly encourage every Virginian, who can vote by mail to do so, we will also take every necessary step to conduct these elections in a way that ensures in-person voting is done safely and responsibly.”

Deb Wake, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia, said the organization supports the governor’s decision.

“Postponing these elections to May 19 is the right decision,” Wake said. “This will help voters cast their ballots in greater safety. Even two weeks can give election workers more time to prepare for social distancing at the polls.”

Only individuals who were eligible to vote May 5 may participate in the elections May 19, and no new candidates are eligible to participate in the postponed elections.

The deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration for the May 5 elections has passed.

General Registrar offices must receive mailed-in requests for absentee ballots for the May 19, election by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 12.

Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by the local General Registrar by 7 p.m. on Election Day, May 19.

Voters can request online that an absentee ballot be mailed to them by visiting elections. virginia.gov/voterinfo or by downloading and printing a request form at elections.virginia.gov/ forms and returning the completed and signed form to their local General Registrar’s office by mail, fax or scanned attachment to an email.