HAMPTON, Va. (AP) - A date has been set for a special election in Hampton to choose a new sheriff.
The special election scheduled for Nov. 2 will fill the term of Sheriff B.J. Roberts, who died last month, The Daily Press of Newport News reported. Roberts, who was 70, died on Dec. 26, prior to retiring this month.
Under state code, Hampton must, within 15 days of the vacancy, ask the Circuit Court to hold a special election to fill his seat. The date is the same day as the next general election.
The Hampton City Council said holding the election in November will avoid extra expense. The council is scheduled to ratify the request at its meeting Wednesday.
Until the next election, Hampton has chosen Karen Bowden, the former undersheriff, to head the office. She is the first woman to lead the department.
It’s not clear whether a June primary will be held for other potential candidates.
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