Referendum 2025
On April 1, 2025, the Virginia Beach City Council directed City staff to prepare a resolution for a public hearing on a potential referendum.
Survey Opportunity for Residents
City Council will vote on May 6, 2025, on whether to add a referendum question to the November 2025 ballot regarding the way we elect our city council members.
Please read the proposed question below and share your feedback about adding this question to the November ballot. Public input will be provided to City Council prior to the vote. This opportunity is available until 11:59 p.m. on May 3, 2025.
Proposed Ballot Question
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?
- A “yes” vote means that you support the “10-1” system, which was used in the 2022 and 2024 city council elections. In the 10-1 system the city is divided into 10 districts and the voters of each district elect a single council member with the mayor elected at-large (city-wide).
- A “no” vote means you support the “modified 7-3-1” system described in the current city charter as modified by a general law change that occurred in 2021. In the “modified 7-3-1” system the city is divided into 7 council districts and the voters of each district elect a single council member, with three other council members and the mayor elected at-large (city-wide).
Provide your comments using any of the following options:
- Attend the April 15, 2025, public hearing at 6 p.m. in City Council Chamber
- Speak virtually during the April 15, 2025, public hearing (call the City Clerk at 757-385-4303 to register)
- Provide thoughts, comments, and concerns via SpeakUp VB until 11:59 p.m. on May 3, 2025, using any of the following options:
- Online survey
- Email referendum2025@publicinput.com
- Leave a voicemail by calling 1-855-925-2801. Enter Project Code 11338
- Text referendum to 73224
- Email City Council at CityCouncil@vbgov.com
April 1, 2025 City Council Presentation
