Manassas Park council votes to seek special-election writ to fill council vacancy in November 2025

The Manassas Park governing body voted Jan. 7, 2025, to direct the city attorney to petition the Prince William Circuit Court for a writ of election to fill the remainder of a vacated council seat on the same day as the November 2025 general election.

According to the motion read into the record, the petition requests the special election be held on the general-election date in November 2025 pursuant to Virginia statutory timelines. The council discussed the statutory deadline for petitioning the court and whether to select an earlier date, but members coalesced around holding the election alongside the November general election. The motion was moved, seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Dean, who advised the council on timing and legal requirements, said the governing body has 15 days from the date of a vacancy to petition the court for a special election and noted the statutory windows that affect when a writ may be set. Councilmembers emphasized a preference for a November election rather than an earlier special date.

The council did not take further action on candidate selection or interim appointments at the Jan. 7 meeting; staff will proceed to file the petition with the court as directed.