News

Low turnout so far in Alexandria’s mayoral and City Council primary races

By James Cullum
1/15

Turnout is low so far in Alexandria’s Democrat primary for Mayor and City Council.

As of noon, about 11% of the city’s registered voters cast ballots. Of the 11,249 votes, about 6,844 were absentee ballots, which is about 60%, according to the Alexandria Office of Registrations and Voter Elections.

City registrar Angie Turner said to expect a 23% voter turnout, based on the last two primary elections.

“In 2021, there was a Democratic primary for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, House of Delegates, mayor and city council, and that had a total citywide turnout of 23%,” Turner said. “The 2018 Democratic primary was just for mayor and City Council, and that was a 23.11% turnout.”

Alexandria’s land use overhaul that eliminated single family zoning, increased residential taxes outweighing commercial taxes, a surge in violent crime, and the failed Potomac Yard arena deal are just a few of the issues have dominated this primary election season.

The last primary in 2021 had candidates for Virginia governor and lieutenant governor, the House of Delegates, Attorney General, as well as mayor and City Council. In that primary, City Council Member John Taylor Chapman received the most votes — about 13,000 votes — and the sixth Council spot went to Member Kirk McPike, who got just over 8,000 votes.

At noon, the City Hall voting precinct (301 King Street) in Old Town, reported 2,985 active registered voters, only 148 voters cast in-person ballots. There were also 376 absentee ballots cast, making for a combined 524 total ballots cast, which is about an 18% turnout so far.

At Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue) in Del Ray, which has 4,212 registered voters, 388 voters cast in-person ballots. There were also 334 absentee ballots, adding up to 722 ballots cast, which is a 17% turnout.

At Samuel L. Tucker Elementary School in the West End, with its 3,746 active registered voters, only 66 voters cast in-person ballots. There were also 129 absentee votes, adding up to a total of 183 votes, or a 5% turnout.

Turnout is expected to be low, since only the mayorship and City Council seats are in contention.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Unofficial results will be posted with the Virginia State Board of Elections after polls close.

Mayoral candidates

Three candidates are vying to succeed outgoing two-term Mayor Justin Wilson.

City Council Democrat candidates

Four incumbent Council Members are running for reelection. With Wilson’s departure and Jackson and Gaskins running for the open mayor’s seat, there are two vacancies on the six-person City Council. All six spots are up for grabs, and there is a total of 11 Democrat candidates.

The Democrat winners will face Republican Celianna Gunderson and Independent candidate Mason Butler on election day on Nov. 5.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.