State elections board issues $25 penalties for local signage disclosure violations, dismisses Hampton school‑board case

The Commonwealth of Virginia State Board of Elections on March 1 addressed multiple campaign signage disclosure cases and assessed penalties for several local candidates while dismissing one matter involving Hampton school‑board candidates.

The board voted to find the following violations and assess $25 penalties (each motion recorded and adopted by roll call): a case involving "Friends of Sam Resold for delegate" was found in violation of Virginia’s sign disclosure requirements and penalized $25; a second case involving a Portsmouth candidate, Mia Phillips, was found in violation and assessed a $25 penalty (Phillips appeared before the board and asked for a warning, saying the missing disclosure was an honest mistake); and a third case involving a mayoral palm card for "Mike Duman for mayor" was likewise assessed a $25 penalty (a representative, Mike Newman, addressed the board and said he accepted the penalty).

Separately, the board considered a late defense submitted by candidates for the Hampton School Board (listed in the meeting materials) and voted to dismiss that case. Board members said the challenged items in that matter were properly attached to a disclosed item, leading to dismissal.

Each of the penalty motions referenced the board’s authority under Virginia Code §24.2‑955.3 (enforcement of disclosure requirements) and the advertising requirement provision cited in meeting motions (transcribed as 24.2‑956); the motions were moved and seconded and adopted by roll call with all members voting aye.

Why this matters: Local candidates and their committees must follow statutory disclosure requirements for printed campaign materials; the board’s routine enforcement actions are part of its compliance and oversight responsibilities.

Sources: Staff presentation, candidate statements at the March State Board of Elections meeting, and recorded roll‑call votes.