Democrats request extension to get Harrisonburg mayor on the ballot

The Harrisonburg Democratic Committee is asking the Virginia Board of Elections for a deadline extension to get Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed on the ballot this November.

According to the Voter Registrar of Harrisonburg, Mayor Reed was not listed on the general election ballot as of Thursday, June 11, two days after the filing deadline.

Reed, who announced her intention for re-election to city council earlier this year, was chosen as a nominee by Harrisonburg Democrats in their virtual caucus in May, gaining 82% of the vote as the top vote-getter by far.

But the Harrisonburg general registrar Debbie Logan says the necessary candidate form for Reed was not field by this week's Tuesday deadline.

Logan told WHSV Mayor Reed did come in on Thursday afternoon, as local media reported about her not being listed on the ballot, but it was past the deadline.

However, Harrisonburg Democratic Committee Chair Alleyn Harned said Virginia Democratic Party lawyers filed Thursday afternoon for a 10-day allowable deadline extension to give Reed more time to file.

Harned said that extension is allowed by the state code and they hope, given the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virginia Board of Elections will grant the deadline extension, allowing Reed to appear on the November ballot.

WHSV reached out to Reed for comment, but as of 6 p.m., have still not heard back.

However, Reed posted on

on Thursday night, that she is still in the race.

"Harrisonburg, despite what you may have heard today, I am still in this race. As always, it is my honor to serve this City. I received 82% of the vote in the Democratic caucus just one month ago and I can assure you I have every intention of improving this community for all residents. Thank you so much for believing in and supporting me. You can't get rid of me that easy. But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good….” Gen. 50:20 NKJ," her post stated.

According to the registrar, those appearing on the November 2020 ballot for Harrisonburg City Council include Democrats Charles Hendricks and Laura Dent, Republican Kathleen Kelley and Independent George Hirschmann.

This is a developing story. Stay with WHSV News for updates.