Ballot question
City of Staunton: Sales tax of up to 1% for school construction
- On the ballot in
- City of Staunton
- Vote
- Yes or no
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
The question, as printed on the ballot
Shall the City of Staunton, Virginia, be allowed to enact a local retail sales tax of up to one percent (1%) to provide funds that can only be used for construction or major renovation of public schools in the City of Staunton and that such tax shall expire on July 23, 2046?
A “Yes” vote means
Authorizes Staunton City Council to adopt an ordinance levying an additional sales tax of up to 1% for school construction or major renovation; the tax would expire July 23, 2046.
A “No” vote means
City Council will not have the authority to levy the additional sales tax of up to 1% for Staunton City Public Schools capital projects.
Official plain English statement
On the November 2026 general election ballot, Staunton voters will be asked to decide whether the City should levy an additional local retail sales tax of up to 1%. Under Virginia law, revenue generated by this specific tax can only be used for qualifying capital projects for Staunton City Schools, which includes the construction or major renovation of public school facilities, and related financing costs. It cannot be used for school operating costs or salaries.
Sources
- Proposed constitutional amendments and local referendums, November 3, 2026: City of Staunton · Virginia Department of Elections
- Sample ballot, November 3, 2026 General and Special Elections: City of Staunton · City of Staunton Electoral Board
- Sales Tax Referendum for Schools: Information Regarding the 1% Sales Tax Referendum for School Capital Projects · City of Staunton
The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.