Stafford County — Local Sales Tax for Schools

What it does

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

Stafford County could levy an added local sales tax of up to 1%, used only for construction of new schools or major renovation of schools, ending when any bonds or loans for the projects are repaid, or June 30, 2046, if none are used.

A NO vote means

Stafford County would not levy this added local sales tax for schools.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Unclear: our AI read of the official summary isn't confident enough (we require 70%) to place this on the left–right spectrum, so we don't. Read the summary and decide for yourself.

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

Stafford County says the Board of Supervisors approved Resolution R26-259 on July 7, 2026 to start the referendum, and the resolution was signed July 20.

The county says voter approval would only authorize the tax. The board would still need a public hearing and an ordinance, with a possible effective date of June 1, 2027.

The county projects first-year collections of $13 million to $20 million under different scenarios, or $349.3 million to $537.4 million over 20 years assuming 3% annual growth. It says these are estimates, not guarantees.

The county says the money could pay for new schools, major renovations and future debt payments, but not existing debt service or school operations.

Put on the ballot by Stafford County Board of Supervisors, July 7, 2026 (Resolution R26-259; tally not stated on the county page).

From official source.

In the news

• 1% sales tax for Stafford school buildings heads to Nov. 3 ballot · Potomac Local

Next elections here

• Virginia election 2027 · November 2, 2027: All 100 House of Delegates seats and all 40 state Senate seats
• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Stafford County mean?

Stafford County could levy an added local sales tax of up to 1%, used only for construction of new schools or major renovation of schools, ending when any bonds or loans for the projects are repaid, or June 30, 2046, if none are used.

What does a NO vote on Stafford County mean?

Stafford County would not levy this added local sales tax for schools.

How many votes does Stafford County need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Stafford County?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.