City Answers Questions on Local Election System Referendum

FAQs and resources available to help Virginia Beach voters prepare for ballot question.

The City of Virginia Beach wants to ensure that all residents are aware of the local election system referendum and have information so they can make their own decisions on how to vote.

City Communications Office staff members are reaching out to residents to share neutral information about the referendum at pop-up educational tables in the community, on the City’s Referendum webpage and social media accounts, with printed flyers (in Spanish and Tagalog as well) and videos, in news media, and with other methods. The times, dates and locations for the educational tables differ each week and can be found online.

We are listening to residents’ questions and are providing answers to some of those most frequently asked questions (FAQs). See the full list of FAQs in print and videos.

If voters choose the 7-3-1 election system, and the district maps must be redrawn because of the 2020 Census, who draws the maps?

If the residents support the 7-3-1 system, and the City’s Charter is not changed, the City Council would be required to initiate a redistricting process. The City would use experts to assist with preparing draft maps and receive public input, but final adoption of such a map would be by vote of the City Council. It will be important to consider the requirements of federal and state voting rights laws as well as traditional redistricting principles in drawing proposed maps, because it is virtually certain that the courts will review and pass judgment on any new map adopted under a 7-3-1 system.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the 10-1 system and the 7-3-1 system?

The City is prohibited from advocating for one system or the other. The City has provided a brief (500 word), neutral explanation of the referendum as permitted by state law. Also provided on the Referendum webpage is a toolkit for those who would like to host their own community discussions on the referendum.

Why are City councilmembers publicly aligning with one side or the other?

City government employees cannot advocate for or against the referendum question while acting as a representative of the City. Councilmembers and other elected officials are not City employees and are not prohibited from individual advocacy regarding referendum issues.

How will the referendum vote affect School Board members?

Because the City Charter provides that School Board members are elected in the same manner as councilmembers, any change would also apply to the School Board elections.

Be Prepared to Vote

Early voting begins today. Learn what is needed to ensure that you are able to vote in person or by mail during early voting and on election day, Nov. 4, at Voter.VirginiaBeach.gov.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the referendum and the resources available by signing up for the weekly Be in the Know email newsletter.  

Please help by talking to your friends, family and neighbors in Virginia Beach and sharing these links and resources. Thank you.