15.2-3226 - Redistricting and elections in city or town following annexation; registration and transfer of registration of voters in annexed territory. - Virginia Statutes

§ 15.2-3226. Redistricting and elections in city or town followingannexation; registration and transfer of registration of voters in annexedterritory.

A. Whenever the boundaries of a city or town, which elects its council bywards or districts, have been expanded through annexation, subject to theprovisions of § 24.2-304.1, the council of the city or town shall redistrictthe municipality into wards or districts, change the boundaries of existingwards or districts, or increase or diminish the number of wards or districtsto incorporate the additional territory.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 24.2-312, there shall be an electionfor members of council on the first Tuesday in May following the effectivedate of annexation for terms to commence on July 1 following the election;however, upon the approval of the governing bodies affected and the specialcourt, such election may be on the Tuesday after the first Monday in Novemberfollowing the effective date of annexation for terms to commence on January 1following the election. If council members are chosen on an at-large basisthe election shall be held for the unexpired portion of the term of eachcouncil member whose term extends beyond July 1 immediately following theeffective date of annexation. If council members are chosen on a ward basis,the election shall be held for each ward affected by the annexation. However,no such election shall be held as a result of an annexation instituted under§ 15.2-3202 or § 15.2-3203, unless the city or town increases its populationby more than five percent due to the annexation.

C. The registration records of voters residing in the annexed areas shall betransferred, and the appropriate notice given, in accordance with § 24.2-114.Any person residing in the annexed territory who has not registered shall beentitled to register and vote in the city or town if he would have beenentitled to register and vote at the next election of the county.

(Code 1950, § 15-152.24; 1952, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1054; 1970, c.172; 1974, c. 401; 1976, c. 9; 1977, c. 307; 1994, c. 293; 1997, c. 587;2001, Sp. Sess. I, c. 3.)