In Person vs. Digital: Give Input on the City’s Election System in a Way that Works Best for You

According to 2022 Census data, 96.4% of Virginia Beach households own a computer, but not all of those homes have internet broadband access. Having multiple offerings for residents to engage with elected officials is important, and now more than ever residents are prioritizing community engagement. So which option is best for you?

The City is expanding digital and non-digital tools for the Virginia Beach community to access for community engagement on City initiatives. We understand that residents may have specific needs related to childcare, transportation and translation too. We've got that covered. Take a look at the upcoming Election System community engagement initiative for all the ways you can participate that meets your busy schedule AND technology needs.

City Council must make a decision on a preferred election system before the 2024 election. Have your say in Virginia Beach policy development and decision-making by participating in the Election System Community Engagement Project starting March 25. Several public meetings, facilitated by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, are specifically for you to provide your input on the kind of election system you want for Virginia Beach.

Is being there in person your thing?

• Show up: Go to SpeakUpVB.com to register for an in-person meeting. Find the most convenient location and time for you. In-person attendees can register to be added to the speakers’ list. (Speaking opportunity and seating is not guaranteed).
• Bring the kids: The meeting on Sunday, April 2, offers childcare for ages 6-12.
• Need a ride?: Information on the closest HRT bus routes is included on the meeting schedule.

Does online or phone work better for you?

• Watch in real-time: All meetings will be live-streamed on SpeakUpVB.com.
• Watch a recording: Recordings of all meetings will be available for viewing at SpeakUpVB.com and on Channel 47 and 48.
• Listen in on the phone: Dial (855) 925-2801 to listen in on a live meeting. When prompted to enter a project code, enter 8291 (for the Election System project). Call-in attendees can be notified by phone when the meeting starts.

Can’t make it? We still want to hear from you.

• Leave us a voicemail: Dial (855) 925-2801 and enter project code 8291 when prompted to leave a voicemail message when a live meeting is not taking place (3 min. limit).
• Send us an email: Each meeting has a dedicated email address where comments can be sent to.

Need assistance?

• Translation service: Click on the Google translate button on SpeakUpVB.com to translate the site into another language.
• Closed captioning: Use the closed-captioned button on the live-steamed meetings to get real-time translation into another language.

Stay in the loop:

• Subscribe to get updates: Click the “Subscribe” button on the meetings schedule to receive updates on the Election System Project. Get notified when the online survey is available for you to provide feedback.

Virginia Beach City Council seeks your participation in this opportunity to participate in City policy development and decision making. To learn more about this topic, go to SpeakUpVB.com.