Registrar warns of possible extra 2026 elections; Louisa board asks state lawmakers to fund special elections

Louisa County’s registrar told the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 5 that the county may face additional elections in 2026 depending on actions by the Virginia General Assembly, and that the county budget currently anticipates only a primary and the November general election.

“Everything hinges on what happens with the General Assembly,” the registrar said, noting the legislature’s schedule affects whether the June primary remains or is moved and whether a separate special election would be required. She said the county budgets roughly $25,000 to $35,000 per election and that holding multiple special elections could create a potential shortfall of roughly $50,000 if two extra contests occur.

Chairman Dwayne Adams described such a requirement as an “unfunded mandate” and asked staff to prepare a resolution asking the county’s four legislators and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District to work toward state funding of any special elections the legislature requires. The board approved directing staff to draft that resolution and to present it for consideration at the next meeting.

The registrar emphasized the information was preliminary and that timing could change depending on the General Assembly’s action when it convenes in mid-January.