Photo by Pappa91.

Earlier today, we noted that a federal shutdown could affect the District in a number of ways, from which agencies operate to how the 2012 budget deliberations play out. Thankfully, there’s one thing that won’t change whether or not the feds close up shop: the April 26 Special Election will still go on, as planned.

During a meeting of the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics today, it was announced that “essential employees have been designated” to ensure that a federal shutdown won’t prevent the April 26 vote from happening. Not only will District residents be voting for an At-Large seat on the D.C. Council, but residents of Ward 4 and Ward 8 will also be choosing their representatives for the State Board of Education.

This is good news, especially considering that the Board has been forging ahead to ensure that the election happens as scheduled. Last week, it wrapped up testing of the voting machines that will be used, and this week it revamped its website to better answer any questions voters may have ahead of the election. The board also published an Online Voter Guide [PDF] that includes candidate statements for all At-Large and State Board of Education contenders. Sadly, everyone running this year at least seems marginally serious — there’s no comic equivalent to some of the candidate statements we saw before the November 2010 general election. I never thought I’d miss Queen Noble so much.

Finally, check your mail this week: the board is sending out postcards indicating assigned polling sites and announcing any changes to where you might vote.