VA SB51

Requires Virginia localities with populations of 400,000 or greater to elect governing body members from single-member districts with substantially equal populations, effective for municipal elections after July 1, 2026

Permits the governing body's presiding officer (such as a mayor) to continue being elected at-large rather than from a district

Mandates that localities not already meeting single-member district requirements must establish districts and reapportion representation following existing redistricting procedures in state code

Validates ordinances adopted prior to 2026 by governing bodies that already established single-member district maps, making them effective upon the act's passage

Declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage