VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — State Senator Aaron Rouse led a conversation with local leaders in front of Virginia Beach’s City Hall on Thursday. He said this week's passage of the referendum on the 10-1 voting system is a long time coming, and that it puts people over politics.

"This referendum reflects that spirit and it’s about restoring trust," Rouse said. "It’s about good government, ensuring fairness, and protecting the sacred right to vote for generations to come.”

State Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler said she submitted a bill to formally amend the city charter to make way for the new system.

Under the 10-1 voting system, people get two votes: one for a city councilor for their district and an at-large mayor.

The other system, a 7-3-1 system, people get five votes: one for their distr

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