City of Newport News School Construction Sales Tax Referendum
My vote power
High
Election date
November 3, 2026
City of Newport News School Construction Sales Tax Referendum is a ballot measure in Newport News city, Virginia on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Lets Newport News add up to 1% to its sales tax to build or make major repairs to schools, with the tax ending by June 30, 2046. Shoppers would pay the extra tax on most retail purchases, but not groceries or essential hygiene products; the city estimates $29 million a year.
How do we calculate my vote power?
What determines the vote power rating for ballot measures: Representation: how much weight one vote carries here compared with a statewide vote — the smaller the district, the more each vote counts. You have more power in ballot measures because you vote directly on the policy.
Representation: High · 67 out of 100
This district is a small slice of its state, so each vote here carries much more weight than a vote in a statewide race. About 184,216 people live here.
Show the representation math
score = 50 + 50 × ln(state population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(50,000) = 50 + 50 × ln(8,705,170 ÷ 184,216) ÷ ln(50,000) = 67.82, measured against a statewide vote in VA (grades: 66+ high, 55+ above average, 33+ average, otherwise low; a statewide race is the 50 baseline)
High representation + a direct vote on the policy → My vote power: High.
What does this measure do?
Supports: Public Education Quality
Lets Newport News add up to 1% to its sales tax to build or make major repairs to schools, with the tax ending by June 30, 2046. Shoppers would pay the extra tax on most retail purchases, but not groceries or essential hygiene products; the city estimates $29 million a year.
A YES vote means
The City Council may later approve a sales tax of up to 1% for school construction or major renovation, ending by June 30, 2046.
A NO vote means
The City Council would not get voter authorization to add this school construction sales tax.
Source: nnva.gov
Sources: elections.virginia.gov2
Last updated September 24, 2026.