Lewes municipal election postponed

The City of Lewes municipal election has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Originally scheduled for May 9, the new date will give candidates adequate time to campaign and a safe environment for residents to cast their votes. Mayor and city council voted 3-0, with the incumbents recusing, to reschedule the election for the first Saturday 45 days after social distancing restrictions have been lifted. If the date falls on a holiday weekend, the election will be held the following weekend. 

As of March 30, five candidates have filed for two seats, including incumbents Fred Beaufait and Dennis Reardon and challengers Kay Carnahan, Tim Ritzert and Andrew Williams. 

Anyone who wishes to become a candidate must file a form with the city manager’s office by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 2. The form can be found on the city’s website at www.ci.lewes.de.us. Candidates must call city hall to make an appointment to submit the application. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and a resident of Lewes for at least one year. Candidates also must not have been convicted of a felony.

Council also delayed the beginning of the parking meter season due to the stay-at-home order in effect through May 15. Officials voted to change meter season to the first day after the stay-at-home order is lifted.