December 2 Special Election Explained

Because Town Councilor Richard “Rippy” Serra’s passing on August 7 created a vacancy on the Town Council more than one year prior to the 2026 election, the Town’s Charter requires a special election rather than an appointment to fill his seat. The person elected on December 2 will serve until December 2026.

• If you are not registered to vote, the deadline to register to vote is November 2.
• Deadline to submit Mail Ballot Application is November 12.
• Early in person voting will take place at Charlestown Town Hall, anytime between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, from Wednesday, November 12 to Monday, December 1.
• Special Election Day is Tuesday, December 2 with Charlestown Town Hall as the only polling place.

If you normally vote at the Grange, St. James, or the Charlestown Elementary School, please note that on December 2, all districts will vote at the Charlestown Town Hall, at 4540 South County Trail.

There are three people running in the special election and they will appear on the ballot in the following order:

• Jill M. Fonnemann, Democrat
• Laura Anne Rom, Republican
• Bonnita B. Van Slyke, Independent

The Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA) has endorsed Independent Bonnie Van Slyke for the December 2 Special Town Council Election

Bonnie Van Slyke was a member of the Charlestown Town Council from 2014 to 2022. When re-elected to the Town Council, Bonnie will hit the ground running to stand up for the best interests of our town, and she will bring a much-needed balance to the Town Council where everyone is now part of the same political group. Bonnie is committed to accountable and ethical leadership, sound fiscal management, local control over land use, wise stewardship of our natural resources, and positive educational leadership. You can learn more about Bonnie on her profile page.