Harry ‘Tommy’ Thomas, Jr.

Today the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics declares the Ward 5 seat once held by Harry Thomas, Jr. vacant, clearing the way for a special election expected to happen on May 15.

As we explained last week, despite Thomas’ resignation from the D.C. Council before he pleaded guilty to stealing over $350,000 in city funds, his seat hadn’t yet been declared vacant. As such, even though he was gone and not coming back, the District couldn’t go about planning a special election to fill the seat.

That is changing today, as the Board of Elections and Ethics is meeting in a special session to declare Thomas’ seat vacant and start the ball rolling on a special election that will likely happen on May 15. (How come so late? It’s the law.)

Once the seat is declared vacant, Ward 5 contenders will be able to start circulating nominating petitions to get themselves on the ballot, all the while the rest of the city prepares for the April 3 primary.