Bill > HB1483

This bill mandates that any locality in Virginia with a population of 400,000 or greater must elect its governing body members from single-member districts, meaning each member represents a specific geographic area within the locality, rather than being elected by all voters in the locality (at-large). This change, which applies to municipal elections held after July 1, 2026, overrides any existing local laws or charters that might allow for different election methods, although the presiding officer of the governing body may still be elected at-large. The bill amends existing law (§ 24.2-304.1 of the Code of Virginia) which previously allowed localities to choose between at-large elections, single-member or multi-member districts, or a combination thereof, and also outlines rules for reapportionment and redistricting based on population.

Government Affairs

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1483