Virginia Beach Moves Toward the 10-1 Voting System: What the City Decided and What Comes Next

Virginia Beach is heading into a defining moment for its local democracy. After years of debate, court battles, and shifting election rules, residents now have a clearer picture of where things stand: the City Council has formally backed the 10-1 system, and the path forward depends on what happens next at the state level.

A Quick Refresher: What the 10-1 System Is

The 10-1 structure creates ten single-member districts, each with its own representative on City Council. The mayor continues to be elected citywide. Supporters argue that this approach strengthens neighborhood-level representation by giving each community a dedicated voice on the council.

For many residents, this system isn’t new — they voted under a similar court-ordered version of it in 2022 and 2024.

How Virginia Beach Reached This Point

For decades, the city used a “7-3-1” model: seven district representatives, three at-large members, and a mayor elected by the entire city. That arrangement came under scrutiny during a federal voting rights case, which concluded that the prior structure diluted the voting power of certain communities.

The court then imposed a temporary 10-1 plan. Later, after significant public engagement and surveys showing strong support, City Council adopted its own ordinance to use the 10-1 structure moving forward.

A state court, however, ruled that the ordinance couldn’t stand without a formal charter amendment — and that’s what set the stage for the recent referendum and the council’s new vote.

The Referendum and City Council’s Support

City Council has now taken a clear position: members voted to support changing the city charter to officially adopt the 10-1 system. Their decision aligns with what residents experienced in recent elections and with the feedback gathered over the past several years.

The referendum on Election Day solidified voter sentiment. With public backing established, the question becomes how quickly the city and the state can formalize the transition.

Why Many Residents Favor the 10-1 Model

The 10-1 framework appeals to a broad range of community groups for several reasons:

• Stronger local voice: Each district elects its own representative, which can improve accountability.

• Fairer outcomes: The system creates districts where historically underrepresented communities have a better chance of electing candidates of their choice.

• More accessible campaigns: Smaller districts often make it easier for grassroots candidates to run viable campaigns without relying on large donor networks.

These themes have been echoed in civic forums, council meetings, and community surveys.

Challenges and Points of Debate

Not everyone agrees that 10-1 is the ideal structure. Some who prefer the 7-3-1 system argue that at-large seats encourage a citywide perspective and reduce the possibility of hyper-local politics overshadowing broader issues.

There are also procedural hurdles: even with voter approval and council support, Virginia Beach cannot finalize the 10-1 system on its own. The state legislature must approve the charter amendment, and the process may draw further legal scrutiny depending on how related cases progress.

What Happens Next

With the referendum completed and the City Council vote in place, here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Submission to the General Assembly: The city will formally request that state lawmakers approve the charter amendment.

• Legislative decision: Both chambers of the General Assembly must pass the change, and the governor must sign it.

• Future elections: If approved, the 2026 council races — including seats in Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10 — will proceed under the 10-1 format.

• Continued public engagement: Residents can expect ongoing information from the city, including updates on legislative progress and potential district adjustments.

Why This Matters for the City’s Future

The move toward a permanent 10-1 system represents more than a shift in election mechanics. It signals a broader commitment to local representation and long-term stability in how the city elects its leaders. The debate has been intense, but it has also sparked a deeper awareness of how governance structures shape community power.

Closing Thoughts

As Virginia Beach continues redefining its political landscape, the voices of residents have played a decisive role. The push toward the 10-1 system reflects a growing desire for accountability, fairness, and a system that reflects the city’s diverse communities. What happens next now rests partly in the hands of the General Assembly — and in the continued civic engagement of the people who call Virginia Beach home.