Shirleen Guerra | November 4, 2026
(The Center Square) – Voters opposed additional sales taxes for school construction in 32 of the 47 Virginia cities and counties that put the question on Tuesday’s ballot, according to Virginia Department of Elections results reported Wednesday.
Voters favored the tax in 15 localities, including Richmond, Charlottesville and Chesterfield County. All Election Night precincts were reporting, but the results had not been certified.
Those 15 localities include Martinsville, where the proposal led by five votes, with 2,065 in favor and 2,060 opposed. Additional ballots could change that outcome and the statewide count.
The referendums asked voters to authorize an additional local sales tax of up to 1 percentage point to help pay for building and renovating public schools.
The General Assembly expanded the option statewide through the House Bill 30 budget legislation, effective July 1.
For shoppers, the full increase would add $1 to a taxable $100 purchase. Qualifying groceries and essential personal hygiene products would be exempt from the additional tax.
Richmond’s proposal received 67.8% support, while Charlottesville’s received 71.8%. In Albemarle County, 53.6% voted yes.
Chesterfield’s proposal narrowly led with 50.5% support. The county estimates the tax could generate $65 million to $70 million annually for school construction and renovations.
Neighboring Powhatan County opposed the proposal, with 67.7% voting no. Opposition also led in Norfolk, Newport News and Portsmouth.
Voters also favored the tax in Buena Vista, the city of Fairfax, Lexington, Radford, Staunton, Waynesboro and Winchester, along with Middlesex, Prince Edward and Rappahannock counties.
Revenue generally is restricted to school construction, major renovations and related financing costs. It cannot pay for routine operating expenses, such as teacher salaries.
The city of Fairfax’s ballot question also allowed public transportation spending. The city estimates the tax could generate $13 million to $14 million annually if City Council adopts the full 1% rate, according to its financial adviser.
Voter approval does not immediately increase the sales tax. Local governing bodies must adopt an ordinance imposing it, generally taking effect on the first day of a month at least 120 days after adoption.
This article was made available to EdNews Virginia via The Center Square, a project of the Franklin News Foundation.