Voter Rejection of Sales Tax for School Construction in Hampton Roads
Voters in Hampton Roads jurisdictions largely rejected a 1% sales tax designed to fund school construction and renovation projects. The tax referendum passed in Middlesex County, but failed in Isle of Wight, Mathews, and York counties, and Portsmouth. As of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, results were not complete for Norfolk or Newport News.
The state estimates that Middlesex County could generate about $1.5 million annually from the tax.
Before the referendum, cities and counties had to consider factors such as voter confidence in the economy. As previously stated by Old Dominion University Economics Department Chair Bob McNab, "It's very clear that Virginians... are dissatisfied about the state of the economy... [and] affordability is not just a political question, but a struggle for many families."
Norfolk voter Bob Oberosler expressed similar sentiments on Election Day, stating that taxes were already too high and suggesting alternative ways to fund schools.
Across Virginia, 47 jurisdictions proposed the sales tax for school funding. The tax applies to non-essential items like clothing and restaurant purchases but excludes groceries and other essentials. The state legislature previously allowed some cities to levy this tax, and in June, it was expanded statewide with voter approval.
Jurisdictions had approximately one month to place the referendum on the November ballot. The push for increased school capital funding follows a 2022 report indicating that over half of the state's schools are over 50 years old.
A 2025 report from the 21st Century School Fund revealed that Virginia invested about $1.3 billion in capital improvements, but to maintain and update schools, the state should invest approximately $2.6 billion annually.
Here's a breakdown of how Hampton Roads voted:
- Isle of Wight County: 55% yes, 45% no (referendum fails)
- Mathews County: 48% yes, 52% no (referendum fails)
- Middlesex County: 51% yes, 49% no (referendum passes)
- Portsmouth: 36% yes, 64% no (referendum fails)
- York County: 39% yes, 61% no (referendum fails)
Reporter Katherine Hafner contributed to this report. The school divisions included are members of the Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association, which holds WHRO’s license.