Virginia Voters to Decide on Tax and Rights Measures

Residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to vote on constitutional amendments and school funding referendums.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections

Entrance to a historic red-brick municipal building in Virginia with white trim and autumn leaves on the ground, professional editorial photograph. — Virginia voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide on three constitutional amendments and local school construction tax referendums. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you support a local sales tax increase to fund public school construction in your community?

Virginia voters will cast ballots on November 3, 2026, to decide on three constitutional amendments regarding reproductive rights, marriage equality, and voting rights. The ballot also features congressional races and local sales tax referendums for school construction in Richmond and Chesterfield.

Why it matters

Richmond and Chesterfield are seeking a 1% sales tax increase to fund major school construction and renovation projects. The outcome will shape both local educational infrastructure and state-level constitutional policy.

The proposed 1% sales tax is expected to generate $47 million annually for Richmond and $70 million for Chesterfield. The tax excludes groceries and essential personal hygiene items.

The players

Avula

Avula is the Mayor of Richmond who proposed tax cuts to accompany the school construction sales tax referendum.

LeQuan Hylton

LeQuan Hylton is a candidate running unopposed for a seat on the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors.

Christina Brady

Christina Brady is a candidate in the Clover Hill District school board special election.

Elizabeth Schultz

Elizabeth Schultz is a candidate in the Clover Hill District school board special election.

Anne Holton

Anne Holton is a candidate in the Richmond 6th District school board special election.

The details

Local leaders have proposed tax offsets to accompany the sales tax hike, including a 1-cent real estate tax reduction in Richmond and a 2-cent real estate and 10-cent personal property tax cut in Chesterfield. Voters will also decide on local school board and supervisor seats, including special elections in Clover Hill and Richmond's 6th District.

October 23, 2026: Voter registration deadline.
October 31, 2026: End of early voting.
November 3, 2026: Election Day.

Political Context

Opponents of the tax increases may highlight the potential burden on consumers despite the promised reductions in real estate and personal property taxes. Advocacy groups and opposing political factions will likely raise concerns about the scope of the three constitutional amendments on the ballot.

If passed, the 1% sales tax will impact monthly household budgets in Richmond and Chesterfield, though it excludes essential items like groceries. Residents will see changes to their local tax obligations if the associated real estate and personal property tax cuts are enacted.

The takeaway

Voters should review the specific constitutional amendments and local tax proposals before heading to the polls to understand how their vote affects state law and municipal budgets. With early voting ending on October 31, residents should finalize their ballot research ahead of the November 3 deadline.