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RICHMOND — The Virginia Senate narrowly passed a measure Thursday to move any municipal elections still held in the spring to November. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, a Democrat, broke a 19-19 tie on the bill by Sen. Lionell Spruill, D-Chesapeake, following a lengthy debate. Advocates said November elections allow more voter participation, while opponents worried about national partisan politics tainting local races. “I put this bill in for the people,” Spruill said. The bill now moves on to the House of Delegates for its consideration. Spruill said that most local elections in Virginia are still held in May. Voter turnout is substantially lower, especially among people of color, than in November elections. He also said it would be more fiscally responsible to consolidate the local elections onto the November ballot.

United statesNew riverJames city countyChap petersenLeslie hager smithDana oliverLionell spruillJustin fairfaxBrad groseRon rordamCoalition of first citiesVirginia senateBlacksburg town councilFairfax city councilVirginia municipal leagueSenate minority leader tommy norment