Worthington Town Council looks to fill two vacant seats after issues meeting quorum

Sep. 21—WORTHINGTON — The Town of Worthington is currently seeking candidates to fill two vacant seats on its town council.

In previous months, the town council has struggled to meet a quorum, the minimum number of members present to conduct each meeting, said Mayor Melvin Lindsey.

In West Virginia municipal government, a quorum requires a simple majority, meaning half the members of a governing body must be present for a meeting to take place.

Lindsey said he hopes an increase in town council members can minimize issues with meeting quorum in the future.

General elections for the West Virginia municipal government, including the town council, are slated for the second Tuesday of each June, according to the West Virginia Municipal Elections Guide.

Residents who attend the town council's June meeting can vote for eligible candidates, and those who receive the most votes serve on the town council for the subsequent year.

Municipal governments seeking to fill vacancies outside of the general election, like the town council, determine their own election protocol according to their town charter, said a representative from the West Virginia Municipal League.

Regardless of who is elected, all town council members are subject to a re-election vote the following June. New candidates are also eligible to run for election at that time.

Individuals interested in running for Town Council must reside in Worthington, according to the Elections Guide. To apply, candidates must submit a letter of intent to seek election to the Town of Worthington through its town hall at 247 Main St.

Reach Jack Walker by email at jwalker@timeswv.com.