Chesapeake did not ask voters to approve an additional 1% sales tax for school construction Tuesday, Nov. 3, while six other Hampton Roads jurisdictions rejected the proposal.

The city's official election guide listed City Council and School Board races, federal contests and three statewide constitutional amendment questions. The school construction sales tax was not among them.

Chesapeake's decision left city voters outside a regional referendum effort that largely failed on Election Day.

How Hampton Roads voted

According to WHRO's Nov. 3 election report, voters rejected the proposed tax in six of seven participating Hampton Roads jurisdictions.

The unofficial results showed:

  • Newport News: 59% opposed, 41% supported.
  • Norfolk: 56% opposed, 44% supported.
  • Portsmouth: 64% opposed, 36% supported.
  • York County: 61% opposed, 39% supported.
  • Isle of Wight County: 55% opposed, 45% supported.
  • Mathews County: 52% opposed, 48% supported.
  • Middlesex County: 51% supported, 49% opposed.

Middlesex County was the region's only jurisdiction to approve the measure, with a narrow two-percentage-point margin.

Statewide, 47 jurisdictions placed the school construction sales tax question on their ballots. Unofficial results showed 32 rejected it and 15 approved it, according to election reporting published Nov. 4.

What the tax would have funded

The Virginia General Assembly expanded the sales tax option statewide in 2026, allowing local governments to seek voter approval for an additional retail sales tax of up to one percentage point.

Under Virginia Code § 58.1-605.1, the additional revenue must be used for qualifying public school construction and renovation projects.

The money cannot be used for ordinary school operating expenses, including teacher salaries.

The tax would apply to most taxable retail purchases, including clothing and restaurant meals. Qualifying groceries and essential personal hygiene products are exempt.

Local governments must initiate a referendum before they can impose the additional tax.

The state authorization is optional, meaning cities and counties are not required to put the question before voters.

Chesapeake takes a different path

Chesapeake was among the Virginia localities that did not place a school construction sales tax referendum on the November ballot.

The city's published election information does not establish why officials chose not to pursue the measure.

For Chesapeake residents, the Nov. 3 election therefore did not authorize an additional local school construction sales tax.

The results in neighboring jurisdictions also do not directly change Chesapeake's sales tax rate.

School construction needs remain

The referendum campaign reflected broader concerns about aging public school buildings and the cost of replacing or renovating them.

According to Newport News' official referendum information, that city estimated an additional 1% tax could generate $25 million to $30 million annually for eligible school projects.

Newport News voters rejected the proposal.

Without the additional revenue, localities must continue considering school construction and renovation through existing capital improvement plans, budgets and other financing options.

The election results remain unofficial until canvassing and certification are completed.