Lest we forget: Special election April 2

Even in a non-presidential election year, Virginians go to the polls. This year, besides the June 11 Democratic primary and the November 5 governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general elections, Charlottesvillians have another chance to cast a ballot April 2 for the under-the-radar position of city treasurer.

Democrat Jason Vandever and independent John Pfaltz are vying for the $87,000-a-year constitutional office. City Council appointed Vandever, 30, interim treasurer last fall. Pfaltz, 77, a UVA computer science professor, joined the race and demanded a special election.

Pfaltz says the big issue is the city's retirement fund– that there's a $53 million unfunded liability. Vandever touts his experience in the job.

The Jefferson Area Tea Party is holding a candidate forum at 6pm March 28 in the Albemarle County Office Building.

And all city precincts will be open from 6am to 7pm April 2 at a cost of around $15,000, according to deputy registrar Dianne Gilliland, who reminds voters in the Carver precinct they'll polling back at the Jefferson School City Center after being moved during the school's renovation.

"It's probably going to be low turnout," predicts Pfaltz.

Bad news for the winner: He'll have to run again in November to secure a four-year term.