Local Va. elections could move to November

WASHINGTON - Local elections in Virginia could soon fall on the same ballots that feature statewide and national races.

Thirty-seven towns and cities in the state, including Alexandria, have already moved their elections for mayor and city council from the spring to November. In Falls Church, Mayor Robin Gardner says they are also contemplating the move.

"The issue for us is voter participation and voter turnout," Gardner says. "In May, we see that voter turnout traditionally is about 30 percent in the city of Falls Church. In November elections, we get between 70 and 80 percent."

Another reason for the move is to save somewhere between $18,000 and $30,000.

Critics of the move in Leesburg and Purcellville say it could make municipal elections - where candidates have no party affiliation - more contentious.

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