Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Just a week after being convicted of voter fraud, a Blacksburg councilman has resigned from the governmental body.
Liam Watson submitted a letter of resignation on Christmas Eve.
Watson said in the letter that he was heartbroken with the jury’s verdict in his recent case before the circuit court, but he revered the jury’s role in the justice system and respects their decision.
He had served for two years on the governmental body, but a dark cloud pointed to the discrepancy involving his place of residency.
Watson testified he had no formal Blacksburg address. At the time, Watson had a residence in Richmond and had been staying at his parent’s home in Montgomery County, again not in Blacksburg.
He had been charged in July 2024 on two counts of felony election fraud and one count of illegally voting in an election. He was elected to council in 2023. In order to be a member of council and to run for council, candidates are required to have residency in the town.
Watson’s resignation is effective Jan. 2 and means council will have to appoint someone to fill his remaining term.
Watson said he looked forward to serving his hometown in other capacities in the future.
In this case, applying a false material statement on a Virginia required form is a Class 5 Felony. Illegal voting is considered a Class 6 Felony. Watson can face imprisonment of up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.
