491 Votes Cast for Write-In Candidate in Town of Vienna Election
Jason Spellicy did not initially plan to run for Vienna Town Supervisor. However, the unexpected passing of the current Supervisor, Mike Davis, in July changed the situation.
Election Circumstances and Candidacy
Spellicy explained the legal restrictions that affected the ballot:
“Mike passed away in July, and it left no access to a ballot the way the laws are set up. If you’re not in ahead of the primary and your petitions aren’t turned in at the right time, there’s no way for you to end up on the ballot, so write-in was the only option.”
With just one month before the election, Spellicy announced his candidacy as a write-in candidate.
Support and Voting Results
Spellicy noted the diverse support he received:
“Clearly, getting 491 votes means there was a mix of voters from all parties and Independence that came out to support me. And I think that’s important for people to know. At the Town level, it’s not about politics, it’s neighbors what it’s about.”
Currently, Spellicy is the unofficial winner since write-in ballots are counted last, likely by mid-November.
He expressed confidence regarding the vote margin:
“With a 180 vote margin, I am not overly fearful that they’re going to be disallowing and disenfranchising more than 180 voters that took the time to go to the pole and write my name in.”
Next Steps for Town Governance
The Town of Vienna will have one fewer board member for now, with plans to appoint someone to fill the position until the next election.
Summary: Jason Spellicy, initially reluctant to run, secured widespread community support as a write-in candidate following the unexpected death of the previous Supervisor, highlighting the town’s focus on neighborly cooperation over politics.