Local Election System Referendum: Test Your Knowledge of This Important Issue

Virginia Beach residents have a decision to make on how City councilmembers should be elected. On election day, Nov. 4, and in early voting that began Sept. 19, the ballot asks voters: 

Should the method of city council elections set forth in the Virginia Beach City Charter be changed from a modified 7-3-1 system to a 10-1 system? 

The City of Virginia Beach is providing neutral information, allowed by law, so that voters have the facts they need to make an informed choice. Information and resources available on the  Referendum webpage include a 500-word explanation of the question, flyers to download (including those in Spanish and Tagalog), a toolkit for groups and individuals to host their own discussion on the referendum. 

In addition, City Communications Office staff members are hosting pop-up educational tables with referendum flyers at the Virginia Beach Public Library branches and recreation centers, as well as community events. Find the weekly schedule of where they will be.  

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.  

Newly added FAQ 

Question: The mayor, City Council and School Board members are elected every four years. City Council and School Board elections are staggered every two years. Will that change based on the results of the referendum?  

Answer: No. Regardless of whether the voters support the 10-1 or the 7-3-1 system, terms of office and elections will not change as a result. The next election for City Council and School Board will be Nov. 3, 2026. 

How much do you know about the referendum issue? 

Answers to these questions can be found in the information provided on the City’s Referendum webpage. Can’t find it or have another question that isn’t answered? You can email your questions to speakup@vbgov.com 

1. In what year did a federal court rule that the all at-large election system in the City Charter was in violation of federal law? How was it determined to violate the law?   
2. How will the School Board be affected by the referendum vote? 
3. The City Council requested the General Assembly amend the Charter to reflect the 10-1 system in its 2024 session. What happened to that amendment? 
4. If a majority of the public votes in favor of the Charter change to the 10-1 system, the City is required to take what actions? 
5. If the voters support the 7-3-1 system and the City’s Charter is not changed, how would the City’s district lines be redrawn? 

For more information about voting in Virginia Beach, visit Voter.VirginiaBeach.gov. 

Stay Informed

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.  

• Referendum 2025
• Read FAQs
• Subscribe