The Board of Supervisors and County staff take the concerns very seriously and have been committed to resolving the concerns as expeditiously as possible.
First and foremost, the change recently made by the Electoral Board occurred because the federal census Border is not consistent with the tax parcel border between the two jurisdictions. Unfortunately, our tax parcel border with Louisa has been in dispute for over 250 years. Goochland regrets the length of time that this dispute has existed and the problems it has caused; however, the two counties recently outlined a path to bring the census border and tax parcel border into alignment.
Goochland County Efforts
Reassignment of Voters:
- Letter to All Affected Goochland County residents
On May 13, 2019 County Administrator John Budesky sent a letter to all affected Goochland County residents. A copy of the letter is available here.
- Request the Electoral Board to Revisit their April 22, 2019 Vote & Support Options to Vote Locally
On June 20, 2019 Board of Supervisors Chair Manuel Alvarez, Jr. sent the Goochland County Electoral Board a letter strongly requesting and urging the Electoral Board to revisit their decision and previous practices that allowed voters to vote in their local elections. The Electoral Board was also urged to develop and support solutions and alternatives that would allow affected Goochland and Louisa voters to vote where they pay taxes and have historically voted for at least the local races. A copy of the letter is available here.
- Request Senator Peake's Assistance in Having the General Assembly Reconsider Senate Bill 1102 (Legislative District Boundaries)
On June 21, 2019 Board of Supervisors Chair Manuel Alvarez, Jr. sent Senator Mark J. Peake (22nd Senate District) and Delegates R. Lee Ware, Jr. (65th House District) and John J. McGuire (56th House District) a letter requesting their assistance in having an amended version of Senate Bill 1102 (legislative district boundaries) heard during the July 9th General Assembly Special Session. A copy of the letter is available here.
Revise the Census Border:
The census border can only be revised in conjunction with a federal census. Goochland and Louisa Counties have agreed to submit, for the upcoming 2020 census, census boundaries that match the tax parcel boundaries. It is our understanding that, once accepted and certified, the tax parcel boundaries and the census boundaries will then be in alignment. Unless a legislative solution is identified sooner, the certification is anticipated in calendar year 2021. There will be additional efforts required to fully address the boundary related issues; however, the issue the of citizens voting in their respective counties where they pay taxes will be substantially resolved.
Specific Voting Related Questions:
Any specific voting-related questions and concerns can be directed to the County's General Registrar and Director of Elections Ryan Mulligan at (804) 556-5803 or rmulligan@goochlandva.us.