Gov. Ralph Northam said he would ask the General Assembly to approve moving municipal elections scheduled in May to November.

Pushing elections back will help keep more people safe during the COVID-19 outbreak, he said.

As governor, Northam has statutory authority to move elections in a two-week window, he said. But to move elections six months away, lawmakers have to agree.

The General Assembly returns to Richmond April 22 for its veto session and will decide on moving elections then.

In the meantime, here are the elections around Hampton Roads that might shift to November:

Chesapeake and Hampton

  • Mayor
  • Three seats on each city's council
  • Four seats on each city's school board

Newport News

  • Three seats on City Council
  • Three seats on School Board

Norfolk

  • Mayor
  • One seat on City Council
  • One seat on School Board

Williamsburg

  • Three seats on City Council

Franklin

  • Mayor
  • Three seats on City Council

Smithfield

  • Four Town Council seats

Belle Haven

  • Mayor
  • Five Town Council seats
  • Recorder

Cape Charles

  • Three Town Council seats

Exmore

  • Three Town Council seats

Courtland, Capron, Ivor and Newsoms

  • Mayor
  • Six Town Council seats

Boykins

  • Mayor
  • Five Town Council seats

There were no local referendums scheduled for a vote in May.