Subject:
Title
Town Elections under the Authority of Virginia Campaign Finance Laws.
Body
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
The issue of the Vienna Town Council deciding to place the Town elections under the authority of Virginia campaign finance laws was submitted to the Town Council in July of 2020. The Town Council has followed up by scheduling a discussion on this matter at the December 14, 2020 Conference Session.
OVERVIEW:
This traditionally has been a non-issue since most Town Council members have not solicited or accepted campaign donations. It is up to the Town Council if they want to opt in and pass a local ordinance.
SUMMARY/STAFF IMPRESSIONS:
Town Staff does not have a particular impression regarding this matter and is not permitted to provide campaign advice. The Town Attorney will provide references to the Virginia State Code related to campaign finance as well as a Summary of Laws and Policies provided to Campaign Committees by the Virginia Department of Elections.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
While it is certainly acceptable for the Town Council to operate in the manner in which it has up to this point, Town Staff does not have a recommendation regarding this matter.