Virginia lawmakers are revisiting how local elections are scheduled, with a measure that could allow some communities to undo recent changes and return to spring election dates.

HB 51, sponsored by Del. Rob Bloxom, R-Accomack, would allow some localities to reverse recent moves to November elections and return to holding local elections in May, potentially resulting in multiple election dates in a single year. (RELATED: Economic Indicators Point to Strength as U.S. Enters Its 250th Year)

Supporters may argue that local election timing should reflect local preferences and governance needs. In some jurisdictions, moving elections to November has been promoted as a way to boost turnout, but critics say it can also drown out local issues under the weight of national races and partisan messaging.

HB 51 would reintroduce flexibility, giving some localities the power to shift their election timing back. But the bill could face opposition from lawmakers and election officials who argue that multiple election dates create confusion, raise administrative costs, and strain local election offices.

The proposal arrives as the General Assembly debates a broader slate of election-related bills, including measures on campaign finance transparency, absentee ballot receipt deadlines, voter roll maintenance timelines, and primary scheduling.

Because HB 51 is a Republican-sponsored bill in a session dominated by Democratic control, its future may hinge on whether lawmakers view it as a local control issue rather than a partisan election fight. (RELATED: Virginia Democrats Enter Session With Big Agenda, Four Amendments, and Budget Uncertainty)