Local government; elections, single-member districts required.

This legislation mandates that all Virginia counties and cities transition to a single-member district system for their local governing bodies, such as city councils and boards of supervisors. Under this requirement, each elected official must represent a specific, geographically defined district rather than running in at-large seats where candidates represent the entire jurisdiction. Proponents argue this shift ensures better geographic representation and increases accountability for local leaders, making it easier for constituents to know exactly which official is responsible for addressing their neighborhood concerns. For Arlington, which already utilizes a mix of electoral methods, this law would standardize local representation models across the Commonwealth, potentially altering how candidates campaign and forcing a restructuring of current electoral boundaries to ensure each resident is served by a dedicated local representative.