I hadn’t had a chance to look at the list of candidates on the Virginia Department of Elections website, but imagine my surprise when Dr. Fergie Reid, Jr. called and told me my name wasn’t on it. Not seeing my name on that list filled me with emotions.
I immediately started making phone calls. The staff member at the Department of Elections said they did not receive a Form 527 or 511, but they had all my other forms. My Registrar said she had my Statement of Organization, but not a copy of the 527. One member of the nominating committee said he didn’t know if the form was submitted, but he would check. Another member was surprised to hear that news and said he would look into it. He called back and said that my local committee Chair was looking for receipts. She called me and said that she hadn’t realized that the email was missing part of the address, so it didn’t get delivered. She is now working with two staff members at DPVA.
There are no coincidences. The Chair and Co-Chair of my Senate District 9 nominating committee just happen to be the same as the House District 49 nominating committee. But my story began before Jasmine’s, and it was not without conflict. I turned in my petitions of signatures, Declaration of Candidacy, and Primary Filing Fee receipt to the nominating committee Chair on March 20. I received an email from the Co-Chair on April 3 stating that my signatures had been certified and the certification notice would be submitted as required.
It never dawned on me that I should have to make sure my nominating committee submitted the form, and that it was received by the Department of Elections. I mean, for more than three months everyone has been operating as though I am the nominee and that my name would be on the ballot. Now I am in a waiting pattern to find out whether the error will be excused so my name will be allowed to appear on the ballot.
(Trudy) Berry for Senator
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