Blacksburg Town Council votes to move election date to August

Blacksburg Town Council unanimously voted to move its election date if new school board election changes remain in effect.

"It is a win-win situation," Blacksburg Mayor David Hogue said. "Having elections at the same time would benefit the entire town."

Blacksburg currently holds its town elections in March, but a variety of factors including low turnout at the polls caused the council to reconsider its stance.

"Voters are receptive when there are other elections such as that of the school board," Hogue said. "If we were able to hold both at the same time, it would be a benefit to us as we would both share costs and have a better turnout."

Tuesday's vote rests heavily on the Cherokee County School Board's appeal of a decision made by the U.S. Department of Justice in September requiring new board members to be elected by majority vote. The new state law also added a runoff provision and moved school board elections up from their traditional date in November to mid-August.

Members of the council were able to speak with State Rep. Dennis Moss (DGaffney) about the matter, gaining insight as to why the changes were proposed. Moss introduced the bill to state lawmakers last spring after hearing from county residents who wanted the majority vote requirement in order for their will to be reflected in the outcome of elections.

"The school board to the best of my knowledge has appealed, and it is up to the lawmakers to make a decision," Hogue said. "But we will continue to work on things as if nothing will change."

Changes in Blacksburg's election process would take effect in 2008. However, these provisions must be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.