Powhatan supervisors accept District 5 resignation and direct county to seek special-election writ

The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors on March 23 accepted the resignation of District 5 Supervisor Ms. Morrisette, who announced she will move out of the county, and set steps to fill the vacancy.

After a closed session held under Virginia Code —2.2-37-11(A)(1) and (A)(8), the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation effective May 15, 2026, and directed the county attorney to petition the circuit court to issue a writ of special election to fill the impending vacancy in District 5, to be scheduled with the next general election on Nov. 3, 2026, pursuant to Virginia Code —624.2-226. The board also directed the county administrator to establish a publicly announced application process to seek qualified District 5 applicants for an interim appointment from mid-May to November, per Virginia Code —624.2-228.

Why it matters: The action starts the formal process for both a temporary appointment and the later special election. The board emphasized compliance with state law in timing and directed staff to ensure public notice of the application process for the interim appointment.

What happens next: The county attorney will file the petition with the circuit court and the county administrator will publish the interim-appointment application process and timeline in county communications. The resignation and the board's motions were passed 5—0 at the March 23 meeting.

Source: Board motions and votes recorded at the March 23, 2026 meeting; board reference to Virginia Code sections 2.2-37-11(A)(1), (A)(8), 24.2-226 and 24.2-228.