Governor Bob McDonnell has set Dec. 18, 2012, as the date for the special election to fill the seat vacated by Senator Kenny Alexander, who was elected to the Senate of Virginia on Sept. 4, 2012, and was sworn into office on Sept. 17, 2012.
Speaking about the special election, Governor McDonnell remarked, “Senator Alexander served his district well in the House, and I look forward to working with him in the Senate. Having this special election on Dec. 18, 2012, will allow for the citizens of the 89th House District to have representation and give the new delegate time to prepare for the 2013 legislative session. This date will also give the State Board of Elections sufficient time to complete its certification process of the November election.”
Sections 24.2-507(3) and 24.2-510(3) of the Code of Virginia prevented the governor from setting the special election on Election Day because special elections held the same day as a regular election must be set at least 81 days before the regular election. The last day for filing as a candidate for such office in the special election is Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 at 5 p.m. Should the parties or prospective candidates have any questions, they should contact the Virginia State Board of Elections at 1-800-552-9745 and ask for “Special Election Information.”
–Press release from Governor’s office