Some opponents to moving the vote in Christiansburg suggested this would open the door to partisan politics. Yet it's quite likely Christiansburg voters are sophisticated and capable enough to focus on more than one campaign or issue at a time (be they local, regional, state or federal). It should be noted the only ones suggesting otherwise have been certain town officials.
Picking up this thread, see a related Depot Dazed blog which searched the partisan topic through State Code. Unless expressly restricted by charter, council candidates could in fact be endorsed by a political party yet typically are not. When the town's attorney was tasked with researching the issue of changing the election date, this subject was apparently skipped.
Not so in Blacksburg, which recently changed the voting date -- and their charter. Word is that Christiansburg's charter and code are woefully out of date, so once the hood is open maybe many upgrades can be addressed?
In the meantime, potential candidates who want to appear on the May 2010 ballot should obtain (after January 1 and before March 2, 2010) at least 125 signatures from registered voters residing in the Town of Christiansburg. There will be three -- at large, non-partisan -- council seats open in addition to voting to choose a mayor on May 4, 2010.
Interested persons should contact the Montgomery County Voter Registrar's Office, where the staff will be most helpful in guiding you through all the necessary steps. Another great resource can be found at the State Board of Elections website on the candidates qualifications and requirements page.