Legislators Push for Virginia Beach District-Based Elections Despite Council’s Opposition
VIRGINIA BEACH — Four Democratic legislators from Virginia Beach are set to reintroduce a proposal for a district-based election system in the upcoming General Assembly session, despite the City Council’s refusal to include the request in its legislative agenda. Senator Aaron Rouse and Delegates Kelly Convirs-Fowler, Alex Askew, and Michael Feggans are leading the charge to solidify the current "10-1" election system, which mandates that the mayor be the only citywide elected official while council members represent individual districts.
This initiative follows the council’s failed attempt to modify the city charter to formally embrace the district-based system, a structure put in place after a federal ruling deemed the previous at-large election system unconstitutional in 2021. Rouse remains optimistic about the bill’s support despite the City Council’s challenges and the Republican majority’s opposition.
"Regardless of Virginia Beach City Council’s stance, we will advocate for the 10-1 system next year," Feggans stated, emphasizing the persistent demand from constituents for the current electoral structure. Opposition from Republican lawmakers, along with last year’s veto by Governor Glenn Youngkin, poses significant hurdles. Youngkin cited an ongoing lawsuit concerning the legality of the city’s electoral changes as a reason for his veto.
The legislators, undeterred, plan to pursue the charter amendment, which must pass in the General Assembly before reaching the governor’s desk. If approved, the amendment would align the City Charter with the existing election system. Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers, like Del. Barry Knight, argue for an alternative electoral structure to ensure greater accountability and representation.
As Virginia Beach navigates this legislative landscape, tensions will likely persist between local government priorities and state legislative initiatives amid ongoing discussions regarding fair representation.
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