Urbanna mayoral and councilor terms may go to four years

Austin first to qualify for Nov. 1 council race

by Tom Chillemi –

The Virginia General Assembly has approved House Bill 190, which extends the term for the elected mayor of the Town of Urbanna from two years to four years and spells out specific responsibilities of the office, including the right to vote. The bill also staggers and extends the terms for council members from two years to four years. The bill is awaiting approval by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has until April 11 to sign it.

In the Urbanna election this November, all six council seats and the mayor’s position will be on the ballot. The mayor’s term will be for four years.

Candidate

Marjorie F. Austin is the first qualified candidate for the Urbanna Town Council in November 2022 election, reported Melissa D. Welch, director of Elections and General Registrar for Middlesex County. Austin, who currently is on town council, has filed all the paperwork necessary to run for council, said Welch. The deadline to file in the town election is June 21 at 7 p.m.

Candidate packets are available for pickup in the Middlesex County Election’s Office at 105 Bowden St. in Saluda.

No petitions are required to be a candidate for Urbanna elected offices due to a population exemption, explained Welch. A candidate seeking a seat in Urbanna only has to complete two forms, Declaration of Candidacy and Certification of Candidate Qualification.