Town Election 2011

In November 2009, the Council adopted several amendments to the Town’s Election Ordinance to improve and clarify Town election procedures.  These amendments became effective December 2009 and will apply to the Town’s future elections, including the upcoming May election.

The most significant effects of the amendments are: 1) to increase the time prior to an election when notice of an upcoming election is mailed to residents from 4 weeks to not less than 8 weeks: 2) to increase the time prior to an election when nomination petitions must be filed from 2 weeks to 3 weeks: and 3) to increase the time prior to an election when notice of candidates and a short biographical sketch of each candidate is mailed to Town residents from 1 week to 2 weeks.  The amendments also established procedures for appointing the Election Board and requesting nominating petitions and absentee ballots.
 
Any qualified voter may vote by absentee ballot.  Residents desiring an absentee ballot individually must apply in writing (by mail, fax, email or in person) to the Town Office.  Requests for absentee ballots are available here and in the Town Office.  The absentee ballot must be returned in the printed envelope provided by the Town.  To be counted, any absentee ballot must be received in the Town Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
   
To read the entire Election Ordinance, we encourage you to visit the Town Code. Town Elections are governed by the provisions in Chapter 8 of the Town of Chevy Chase Municipal Code, which state:

“…an election shall be held on the first Tuesday in May of each year to elect members of the Town Council.  Three (3) members shall be elected in even numbered years and two (2) members in the odd numbered years.â€

Town residents will select two candidates in the May 2011 election, each to serve on the Council for a two year term.  The terms of Linna Barnes and Pat Burda will expire in May.  Linna Barnes, Pat Burda and Deborah Vollmer will be candidates in the Town Election.