The Prince William County Republican Committee convened last week and decided to elect their candidate for the Brentsville Supervisors via a plurality vote at a mass meeting to be held at Patriot High School. This method would allow regular Republicans to take part in the election process, should they be able to attend one relatively short weeknight meeting.
At the Prince William Republican Committee meeting held last Monday evening at Benton Middle School, party members mainly discussed the best method to elect either Jeanine Lawson or Scott Jacobs to represent their party in the Brentsville Supervisor special election.
Being prohibited by party rules, a traditional primary was not an option. The committee members thus needed to decide between holding a party canvass, sometimes called “firehouse primary;" a convention; or a mass meeting.
The committee almost unanimously decided upon a mass meeting: a process by which any registered voter, living in the Brentsville District and in good standing with the Republican Party, could attend a meeting, hear speeches from the candidates and cast a paper ballot for their preferred candidate. Unlike a primary, this mass meeting would be held at one time and at one location.
While the decision to hold a mass meeting was almost unanimous, it was highly contested as to whether the candidate would win the preliminary election via a majority or plurality vote. In a plurality vote, the candidate needs only to win by one vote to be awarded the candidacy. However, in a majority vote, the meeting attendees may be required to vote and revote until one candidate receives 50 percent of the vote, or another agreed upon number.
A majority vote involves more speeches, discussions and votes, and ultimately takes much longer. As a result, it attracts fewer voters, leaving only the most dedicated Prince William Republicans to decide the election.
One committee member expressed why this system is ideal.
“I want nominees chosen by Republicans, Republicans who are committed to getting Republicans elected,” he said.
But another member said majority voting turns people off to the process. She said that people have left saying “I’m never coming to one of these ever again." And, she argued, that kind of negative experience could lead them to vote for a Democrat in November.
Those in favor of the plurality vote said it would be quicker, more inclusive, and a good way for the party to register new Republicans. However, those who preferred a majority vote said they run the risk of having an uninformed electorate, or people who are simply friends of the candidates, elect their representative.
As the committee was so closely divided over which method to choose, a roll call vote was needed. However, in the end, plurality won 37 to 30.
As a plurality won, going forward, it will remain important for the two candidates to reach out to voters within the larger community.
Committee members also decided that a mass meeting will be binding regardless of how long the legislative body takes to elect current Supervisor Wally Covington to a judgeship, should that be their decision. Upon the announcement of Covington’s election, the party will immediately book the auditorium.
“We don’t need to drag the process out,” Michelle Trenum said. “Don Shaw (the Democratic candidate) is already knocking on doors in Nokesville. I want our Republican candidate out there knocking on doors.”
According to a plan, the election meeting would be held at Patriot High School on the second Tuesday following the judgeship announcement. Doors would open at around 7 p.m. and the meeting would begin at 8:15 p.m., but those in line at that time would be allowed inside. Should Patriot High School not be available on that date and time, the executive committee members would choose another location.
Many committee members said Patriot would be the ideal choice as it is centrally located and has a large auditorium. Moreover, Trenum said it was available most Tuesday nights throughout the summer.
The committee determined that candidates must register one week following the judgeship announcement. If only one candidate registers, they will then cancel the special election.
They also decided to set a registration fee that is enough to cover the cost of the auditorium and have extra to be used for promotional materials. The cost will also serve to discourage spoiler candidates.
The vote will be conducted by secret paper ballot. Republicans from other Prince William districts are encouraged to volunteer with the committee to help at the election event.
The meeting was attended by several local Republican officials including Supervisors Peter Candland, Michael May and Marty Nohe; School Board Chairman Milt Johns and School Board representatives Gil Trenum and Alyson Satterwhite as well as Clerk of the Court Michelle McQuigg. Bill Card is the committee chairman. Both Scott Jacobs and Jeanine Lawson were in attendance.
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