WISE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Wise County voters rejected giving the county the ability to create and participate in a local electric authority Tuesday night.

During the November 2025 general election, Wise County voters were asked a referendum question that read:

"Shall Wise County, Virginia, participate as a member of an electric authority created by the County to operate within the County?"

Wise County residents rejected the referendum with more than 54% voting "No."

Wise County Administrator Michael Hatfield told News Channel 11 in October that if the referendum passed, it would not automatically create a new county electric authority. Voting yes on the referendum would just give the county the ability to create and participate in an electric authority if needed.

Hatfield said a count

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