CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Chesapeake City Council rejected a resolution Thursday night to poll voters on whether the city’s voting system should change.
In a 3-6 vote, city council members decided against asking residents about shifting from an at-large system, where all registered voters can cast ballots on all city council members and the mayor. In its place could have been a ward voting system, where constituents vote for a representative in their district and the mayor.
The council was not voting on whether to change the system, but whether to include the question on November’s ballot.
Those in favor of the referendum argued the city’s current election system gives an unfair advantage to larger, wealthier parts of the city.
“Many parts of the city have no true representation on city council,” said Dr. Charlotte Worley, who spoke in support. “Chesapeake residents deserve a representative who lives in their part of the city.”
Those opposed said the referendum’s proposed district system would divide the city.
“You represent us all equally. That is the greatest thing about our city,” said one attendee. Many of those opposed used the line, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
After two-and-a-half hours of public comment, council members shared their thoughts on the matter. Those opposed expressed worry about where the results of the referendum would go. As an advisory referendum, the results would be given to the general assembly. State representatives would then have the option to introduce legislation to change the system.
“It goes to the November election, it goes to the general assembly, and the general assembly takes it from us,” said Council member Amanda Newins. “That is my opposition.”
Mayor Richard West agreed, adding, “I don’t like this not being in our hands. I do think we’ve heard a great deal of concerns and we need to find a way to address those concerns.”
Council members Carey, Ike and Ward voted in favor of the resolution. Mayor West, Vice Mayor de Triquet, and council members Bunn, Newins, Ritter and Whitaker voted against it.