Richmond names its new top election official, but he won’t start until after June primaries

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond has chosen a new general registrar to preside over its elections after the previous one resigned amid allegations of fraud and misuse of city funds. However, he won't assume the role until after the June 17 primaries.

David A. Levine has accepted the city's job offer and will soon become its top election official, according to Richmond Electoral Board chair Starlet Stevens, who confirmed this appointment to 8News on Wednesday, June 3.

Stevens said Levine has "extensive experience in elections since 2012," adding that he previously worked with the city as its deputy registrar from 2012 to 2014 under former general registrar Kurt Showalter.

His job history also includes working in elections in Maryland and Washington, D.C., per Stevens.

Levine will assume the role on July 1 -- more than two weeks after Virginians take to the polls to cast their primary ballots on Tuesday, June 17.

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A general registrar is charged with overseeing important aspects of elections, per Virginia Code, including accepting, verifying and managing voter registrations.

Levine's predecessor, Keith Balmer, resigned in December 2024 following an investigation into misconduct and improper spending, the latter of which reportedly cost taxpayers about half a million dollars.

To learn more about the June 17 primary elections, click here.