VirginiaHB1682026 Regular SessionHouse

Election of certain governing bodies; conversion to single-member districts.

Sponsored By: Alex Q. Askew (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Election of certain governing bodies; conversion to single-member districts. Requires every locality with a population of 400,000 or greater to elect the members of its governing body by individual single-member districts. The bill provides that a governing body's presiding officer may be elected at large. The bill further provides that any such governing body that does not already meet the requirements of the bill shall establish the required districts and shall reapportion the representation in the governing body in accordance with general law. Finally, the bill provides that for any such governing body that, prior to 2026, adopted an ordinance with a map to elect its members by individual single-member districts, such ordinance shall become effective upon the effective date of this act. This bill is identical to SB 51 and contains an emergency clause.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Stricter conduct rules for local officials

Local governing bodies can punish or fine a member for disorderly behavior. Chairs, mayors, supervisors, and council members are now covered by the state law prohibitions in Sections 15.2-1534 and 15.2-1535.

Local elections move to November

Starting with elections after January 1, 2022, local elections happen in November. This covers mayor, council or board members, and elected school board members. Terms for those offices begin January 1. This rule applies even if a city or town charter says otherwise.

New district rules for local elections

If your locality requires district or ward residency for seats, only voters in that district elect that seat. For elections after July 1, 2026, any locality with 400,000 or more people must use single-member districts. Each district must have about the same population, and the presiding officer may still be elected at large. Localities not using single-member districts must draw new districts under state rules and wait until the next census to change them. If a single-member district map was adopted before 2026, it takes effect immediately under this law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Alex Q. Askew

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 322 • No: 130

Senate vote 3/10/2026

Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 22 • No: 18

House vote 3/6/2026

House concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 67 • No: 30

House vote 2/27/2026

Senate substitute agreed to by House

Yes: 66 • No: 30

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 23 • No: 17

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Local Government Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Reported from Local Government with substitute

Yes: 9 • No: 6

House vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 75 • No: 24

House vote 1/23/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 6 • No: 1

House vote 1/23/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with substitute

Yes: 15 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0010)

    3/10/2026Governor
  2. Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (22-Y 18-N 0-A)

    3/10/2026Senate
  3. Reenrolled bill text (HB168ER2)

    3/10/2026House
  4. Reenrolled

    3/10/2026House
  5. Governor's recommendation adopted

    3/10/2026Governor
  6. Approved by Governor-Chapter 10 (Effective 3/10/2026)

    3/10/2026Governor
  7. Signed by President

    3/10/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    3/10/2026House
  9. House concurred in Governor's recommendation (67-Y 30-N 0-A)

    3/6/2026House
  10. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB168)

    3/6/2026House
  11. Governor's recommendation received by House

    3/4/2026Governor
  12. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB168ER)

    3/4/2026House
  13. Enrolled

    3/4/2026House
  14. Signed by President

    3/4/2026Senate
  15. Signed by Speaker

    3/4/2026House
  16. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 11, 2026

    3/4/2026Governor
  17. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 04, 2026

    3/4/2026House
  18. Senate substitute agreed to by House (66-Y 30-N 0-A)

    2/27/2026House
  19. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB168)

    2/26/2026House
  20. Passed Senate with substitute (23-Y 17-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026Senate
  21. Local Government Substitute agreed to

    2/25/2026Senate
  22. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute

    2/25/2026Senate
  23. Read third time

    2/25/2026Senate
  24. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/24/2026Senate
  25. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/24/2026Senate

Bill Text

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