The Blacksburg Town Council recently took on an ordinance changing the date for Mayor and Town Council elections from even-numbered years in May, to odd-numbered years in November, beginning November 2009. The voting precincts and polling places will correspond to those established by Montgomery County to serve Town residents for general elections.

In view of the fact that this change would not be effective until November 2009, May elections for three council seats will still occur. As part of this transition, the terms of the Mayor and Council members elected at the May 2006 and 2008 elections will be shortened by six months.

The Town of Blacksburg has submitted this change to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, for pre-clearance, which is required by the Civil Rights Act of 1965. The Justice Department reviews all election changes in certain southern states to ensure that proposed voting changes do not have the purpose and will not have the effect of discriminating based on race.

A copy of this submission is available for review during normal business hours in the Town Clerk’s Office, Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 South Main Street. The public is also invited to make comments for consideration to the U. S. Attorney General.