The Gist
Home

Ballot question

Stafford County: 1% local sales tax for schools

On the ballot in
Stafford County
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Shall Stafford County, Virginia levy a local retail sales tax not to exceed one percent (1%) to provide revenue that can only be used for construction of new schools or major renovation of schools serving Stafford County, with such tax ending (1) upon repayment of any bonds or loans issued for the projects, or (2) if the projects are not funded by bonds or loans, on June 30, 2046?

A “Yes” vote means

A yes vote authorizes Stafford County to levy a sales tax of up to 1% for new school construction or major school renovations; the Board of Supervisors would still need to adopt an ordinance.

A “No” vote means

A no vote does not authorize the county to levy this additional sales tax.

Official plain English statement

A “yes” vote would authorize the County to consider levying up to 1%. It would not require immediate implementation. Revenue would be restricted to eligible school capital purposes, and the tax would expire upon debt repayment or on June 30, 2046, for non-debt projects.

Printed on the ballot under the heading "Local Sales Tax for Schools". The plain-language summary is from the county's referendum web page. The county page says the tax would end when bonds or loans are repaid, or on June 30, 2046 for projects not funded by borrowing.

Sources

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.