Only rarely will I post a press release in its entirety, but, in this case, you need to read it.
From Speaker of the House William Howell:
“Article IV, Section 4 of the Virginia Constitution states: ‘A senator or delegate who moves his residence from the district for which he is elected shall thereby vacate his office.’
“Today, Joe Morrissey filed paperwork with the Department of Elections to run for the Senate of Virginia in the 16th District, declaring a residence outside the 74th House District. By taking this action, Mr. Morrissey has officially vacated his seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
“As Speaker of the House of Delegates, I pledged to support the Constitution of the Commonwealth and to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties incumbent upon me. In this instance, the Constitution is unambiguous and self-executing. Therefore, at my direction, the Clerk of the House of Delegates is making the appropriate arrangements with Mr. Morrissey to close his office. These actions are procedural and routine for members whose service is concluding.
“I am notifying the Governor that a vacancy has occurred in the House of Delegates so he may act as he sees fit regarding a special election.”
This is the right move. The law is clear. The state constitution is clear. Now, hopefully, the voters will be clear-headed.
