Virginia Voters to Decide on Sales Tax Referendums
Residents in over 40 localities will vote on school and transportation tax measures on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Administration
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Voters across more than 40 Virginia localities will cast ballots on local sales tax referendums for school construction and transportation on November 3, 2026. These measures will appear on the same ballot as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives elections.
Why it matters
The decision to put these measures to a vote follows local efforts to address school and transit funding, though some Northern Virginia leaders opted to delay participation in favor of a regional strategy. This divergence creates varying tax landscapes for families depending on their specific jurisdiction.
More than 40 Virginia localities have added the sales tax referendum to the November ballot, which also includes three proposed amendments to the state constitution.
The players
Fairfax County
A major Northern Virginia jurisdiction that opted out of the November 2026 sales tax referendum.
Loudoun County
A Northern Virginia county government that declined to place the school construction and transportation tax on the upcoming ballot.
The details
Localities are authorized to hold referendums on local sales taxes specifically earmarked for school construction, transportation projects, or a combination of both. While many regions moved forward, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Alexandria, and Arlington chose to exclude the measure to pursue a more unified regional approach. Fairfax City is the exception in the Northern Virginia area, moving forward with the referendum for its residents.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Voting on the referendums and general elections ends.
The Home Front
This wave of local referendums highlights the ongoing shift toward using local sales tax tools to manage infrastructure and school capacity growth. These decisions run alongside considerations for three proposed amendments to the Virginia constitution appearing on the same ballot.
Before heading to the polls, review your specific county or city ballot to see if your jurisdiction included the tax measure. If the referendum is present, verify whether the proposed tax is designated for school construction, transportation, or both, as this determines how your local sales tax may change.
The takeaway
Voters should prepare for a ballot that includes both high-profile federal races and significant local fiscal measures. Check your local registrar's website before November 3, 2026, to preview your specific ballot and understand which local sales tax measures apply to your home.
Further reading
You can track local government policy updates in our Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WVTF.
Live Poll
Would you support a new local sales tax to fund school construction in your community?
