The Richmond Board of Elections removed General Registrar Kirk Showalter on Monday. Now, the city is preparing to search for a new registrar: something they haven’t done since the mid-90s.
Board chair Jim Nachman says he’s still learning the process of bringing a new registrar on.
Virginia law says the board can appoint any qualified voter from the city to serve in the position. There are no other requirements listed.
Deputy Registrar Jerry Richardson is leading the office now, but the board has not officially identified an interim replacement. The city is required to have a registrar, and must hire an interim while they search for Showalter’s replacement.
Nachman says they’ll likely advertise the job opening through the city, and will be taking applications, but he’s not sure when. The board has not met to discuss the matter yet.
Primaries for at least some state races are set for June 8. It’s unclear where the city will be in the replacement process at that point.
Showalter’s attorney, Franklin County Senator Bill Stanley, told CBS6 they plan to file a wrongful termination lawsuit. Showalter’s lawyers did not provide comment for this story.
Showalter faced criticism last year, beginning after unveiling a new office that wasn't accessible without a car, a COVID-19 outbreak in her office, and ending with calls for her resignation after Richmond’s 2020 election results were delayed and in some cases misreported.
