May 1 Republican Firehouse Primary explained by Chad Simmons, Republican Committee Chairman

Because so many questions were arising directed to us at The Botetourt Bee, we asked Chad Simmons the Republican Committe Chairman, for information. Here is what he had to say in response:

Chad Simmons writes:

The Botetourt County Republican Committee met in February and voted on the nomination method it would use to nominate candidates for the two Board of Supervisor positions that are up for election this year, Amsterdam and Buchanan Districts. 
The Committee could have chosen to nominate its candidates for these two positions by using a traditional primary run by the Department of Elections (held on June 8th) or a Unit run method such as a Party Canvass or a Mass Meeting.  The majority of members present at the February meeting voted in favor of holding a Party Canvass, commonly referred to as a “Firehouse Primary”. 
A Firehouse Primary is a party-run primary that is open to all Republican voters who are registered to vote in one of the two respective districts and it is conducted as “one person – one vote”.  Voters are required to present a government issued photo I.D. and will  be asked to sign a pledge agreeing to support the winner of the nomination process in their district at the November general election.  Accommodations will be made for individuals who wish to vote “curbside”.

Simmons explained that most people will vote by traditional method by standing inline. However, those who have health reasons or those who have Covid-19 will be able to vote curbside iusing the governmets ID and signing the pledge.

PLEASE NOTE the 2 Different Times and places to vote on MAY 1
The Firehouse Primary for the Buchanan District will take place at Buchanan Elementary on May 1st between 9:00-12:00 p.m. All qualified voters in line at 12:00 will be allowed to vote.
The Firehouse Primary for the Amsterdam District will take place on the same day at Lord Botetourt High School between 3:00-6:00 p.m.  All qualified voters in line at 6:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote. 
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Chad Simmonsm Botetourt Republican Committee Chairman