Special Election Planned For Vacant Falls Church Council Seat

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A special election will be held for a Falls Church City Council seat after the death of Council Member Dan Sze. The election will be part of the ballot on Nov. 3.

Falls Church residents can run for council by following the required steps. Candidates should start by reading the Virginia Department of Elections' ballot access requirements for the Nov. 3 special elections.

The next steps have an upcoming deadline. The Certificate of Candidate Qualification, Declaration of Candidacy, Statement of Economic Interest, and Petitions of Qualified Voters must be filed by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14.

The Petitions of Qualified Voters can be submitted once the Certificate of Candidate Qualification and Declaration of Candidacy are filed. This office requires 125 signatures from actively registered voters in the City of Falls Church. The city's Office of Voter Registration and Elections can help process those a page at a time until the 125 signature threshold is met.

The next steps are completing the required campaign finance forms and Statement of Economic Interest form. Candidates should follow the deadlines specified by the Virginia Department of Elections. Questions from candidates can be directed to the city’s Office of Voter Registration and Electionsat vote@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5085.

The Nov. 3 ballot will include races for president, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, special elections for two amendments to the Virginia Constitution and the special election for the Falls Church City Council seat.

The voter registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 13. Residents can register in-person by 5 p.m. or 11:59 p.m. online at vote.elections.virginia.gov. Mail applications should be postmarked Oct. 13.

Voters can request an absentee ballot by mail until Friday, Oct. 23. Mail-in ballots should be postmarked by Nov. 3 and at the Office of Voter Registration Elections by Nov. 6 to be counted. Non-postmarked ballots must be in the office by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. As of July 1, voters are allowed no-excuse absentee voting, which means they no longer have to provide a reason for absentee voting.

In-person absentee voting will run from Sept. 18 to Oct. 31. This will happen at City Hall (300 Park Avenue) on weekdays (Monday to Friday), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hours subject to City Hall operating hours). Additional hours will be offered on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voting in person requires a valid voter ID, which can include a voter card, utility bill with a name and address, Virginia driver's license, U.S. passport or employment badge.

For more information, visit the Office of Voter Registration and Elections website.