The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors has requested a special election on November 7, 2023, to fill the Banister Election District vacancy after the recent retirement of Jessie Barksdale. After being sworn in earlier this year, Barksdale resigned on September 13.

Per Virginia State Code, governing bodies are required to petition the Court for a special election within 15 days of a vacancy. Since the vacancy occurred within 90 days of the upcoming election on November 8, the special election to fill the remainder of Barksdale’s term will occur in the next general election in November of 2023, as determined by Virginia State Code.

The board is now soliciting applications from Banister District residents to fill the seat on an interim basis until November 2023. The resident that is selected to the interim role will serve until the winner of the 2023 special election is sworn in.

The winner of the special election will serve the final two years of Barksdale’s term. Banister District residents who would like to be considered for the interim appointment should send a resume and a completed citizen interest form to Deputy Clerk Kaylyn McCluster by 5 pm on October 4.