CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – There are no longer any candidates running for the Ward 2 seat on the Clarksville City Council.
Official complaints were filed by citizens in 2021 claiming that Councilperson Vondell Richmond was living outside the ward he represents. An investigation ensued, which is still underway. In light of these events, the Montgomery County Election Commission has questioned Richmond’s reelection eligibility.
Richmond filed a petition with the Elections Office and was invited to a meeting to discuss his eligibility. According to Montgomery County Elections Administrator Elizabeth Black, Richmond didn’t show and was therefore ruled ineligible for reelection.
As no candidates were running against Richmond, that leaves the seat empty after the start of the new year, since the qualifying deadline has passed. According to Black, the only other option is for someone living in Ward 2 to come forward as a write-in candidate.
“Write-in candidates have until Sept. 19 at noon,” said Black, noting that those interested must file a certificate with the Elections Office before this deadline.
If no write-in candidate comes forward, it will be up to the City Council to appoint someone to fill the Ward 2 seat at the beginning of the year, according to Black.
While Richmond is ineligible for reelection, that doesn’t mean he no longer presides over Ward 2, which covers northwest Clarksville, bounded by Highway 374, Fort Campbell Boulevard and Dover Road.
“He is still currently a council member,” Black told Clarksville Now.
She explained that the initial investigation is still ongoing, and that the Election Commission only determines eligibility and does not conduct investigations.
Clarksville Now has reached out to Richmond for comment.