What is the local option 1% referendum?
The referendum would allow voters to approve an additional dedicated sales tax, up to 1%, for school capital projects and renovations.
If approved by voters, the Board of Supervisors has signaled it will consider reducing the county’s real estate tax rate by 2 cents and the personal property tax rate by 10 cents.
25-30% of the revenue generated by the tax is estimated to come from visitors and people traveling through Chesterfield.
The tax would be authorized for 20 years, expiring in 2046.
The proposed 1% sales tax would not apply to groceries and personal hygiene products.
What to expect on the ballot
“Shall the County of Chesterfield, Virginia, be authorized to levy a local general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent (1%), the revenues of which shall be used solely for capital projects for the construction or renovation of public schools serving the County of Chesterfield, and which shall expire on July 22, 2046?”
Voting ‘Yes’ on Election Day would authorize Chesterfield County to levy the additional sales tax.
How do I register to vote?
Visit chesterfield.gov/registrar to apply online or visit the Registrar’s Office in person (9848 Lori Rd).
Election day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Early voting starts Friday, September 18, 2026.
Other key dates
10/23/2026 – Deadline to register or update an existing registration
10/23/2026 – By 5 p.m. deadline to request absentee ballot
10/31/2026 – Last day of early voting
Proposed Priority Projects
Replace Midlothian Middle School – Replace the aging 1924 facility with a modern middle school, addressing ongoing infrastructure issues and completing a project partially funded in the 2022 bond referendum.
Thomas Dale High School Addition – Expand the main campus to consolidate the school onto one site, eliminating the need for students to travel between the main and west campuses. Currently, Thomas Dale’s 9th grade is housed at the west campus in the former Chester Middle School, nearly a half mile away.
New Dale Elementary School and Pre-K Center– New elementary school to reduce overcrowding in the Dale District, eliminate approximately 60 classroom trailers, and expand Pre-K capacity for up to 150 students, helping eliminate local waitlists.
Matoaca Middle School Renovation Phase 2 – Complete the replacement of Matoaca Middle School by finishing the project started in 2019, creating a single, modern campus and eliminating the need to travel between buildings.
New Midlothian/Clover Hill Area Elementary School – New elementary school serving the Midlothian and Clover Hill districts to reduce overcrowding at Old Hundred and Watkins elementary schools, eliminate reliance on classroom trailers, and accommodate future growth.
Bird High School Gym Addition –
Construct a new gymnasium and support facilities to modernize physical education and athletic spaces, matching recent additions at Midlothian and Monacan high schools.
Capital Renovations Countywide – Provide recurring funding for capital renovations including HVAC systems, roofs, and safety systems, and other renovation tasks to preserve buildings.
Visit Chesterfield.gov/1ForSchools for more information.