Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Election Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
General Registrar warns of scanner problems and the possibility of multiple 2026 elections
Summary
General Registrar Lisa W. McDonald told the Shenandoah County Electoral Board that scanners used in November experienced issues and that, depending on actions by the Virginia General Assembly, the county could face multiple elections in 2026 including a possible primary on June 16 and the general election on Nov. 3.
Lisa W. McDonald, Shenandoah County’s General Registrar, presented a written report to the Electoral Board on Jan. 8, 2026 and briefed members on several operational and legal matters affecting election administration.
McDonald told the board that the office is completing onboarding for new board members and placing orders for office and election supplies. She said the office continues to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests.
On equipment, McDonald briefed the board about problems experienced with scanners provided by ESO in a small number of precincts during the November election and said she has been in conversation with ESO about those issues.
McDonald also reported that three registered voters filed a challenge to a local candidate’s registration and candidacy. A hearing originally scheduled for Dec. 22, 2025 was postponed when the opponent filed a lawsuit in Shenandoah County Circuit Court; the judges hearing the case allowed an extension to Jan. 10, 2026 for additional evidence to be submitted. McDonald said the future date for the challenge hearing is still to be determined.
Looking ahead to 2026, McDonald summarized conversations from the Voter Registrars Association of Virginia meeting that the General Assembly may create additional election dates tied to redistricting or constitutional amendments. She listed possible dates discussed by registrars and association leadership including a primary on June 16, 2026 and the general election on Nov. 3, 2026, and said there is the potential for additional elections in spring or summer (April or August) or for combined primaries depending on what the legislature enacts. McDonald noted that if elections are held in August, the VRAV annual conference would likely be postponed.
McDonald stated that budget proposals for the Office of Voter Registration and for the Electoral Board have been submitted to Shenandoah County Finance and that she will meet with County Administration on Jan. 16, 2026 to discuss those proposals. She also highlighted the Virginia Electoral Board Association conference planned March 22–25 and EB bootcamp on March 23.
The board heard the report; no formal vote or board action on these items was recorded during the meeting. The Registrar’s report was attached to the meeting minutes.
