Amendments Pass Statewide, Triangle's Results Different

By WYDaily Staff Wednesday, November 03, 2010

All three constitutional amendments proposed on the Virginia ballot earned voter approval Tuesday, two by an overwhelming margin and one with little room to spare.

The first question, asking to allow localities to grant real estate tax exemptions to low-income seniors without having to go through the General Assembly, easily passed. Statewide, 76 percent of voters voted in favor, with 24 percent voting against.

The second question, asking to exempt veterans who are completely disabled from their time in the service — or their surviving spouses — from property taxes on their principal residence, gained much support. Statewide, 82 percent of all voters agreed with the exemption; 18 percent voted against it. About 7,300 veterans in Virginia would benefit from this exemption, which the Virginia Municipal League objected to because it gave state control over a local issue.

The third question, a request to increase the cash cap on the state's “rainy day fund” by 50 percent, squeaked by. Statewide, 51 percent of voters agreed with the request; 49 percent voted against it.

Locally, voters were generally more divided on the first two amendments, but still the majority favored passage.

For the third amendment, increasing the amount lawmakers can deposit into an account to rely on during tough economic times, local voters were more divided - despite support from state Republicans and Democrats alike. In James City County, 53.6 percent of voters cast votes against the measure, with 46.2 percent voting for it. In York County, the measure failed by just 86 votes. Williamsburg voters approved it more decisively than statewide results, with 57.5% of the vote in favor.

Question 1 (allowing localities to grant property tax relief for low-income seniors)
James City County residents voted in favor, 66.45 percent to 33.54%
City of Williamsburg residents voted in favor, 69.59% to 30.40%
York County residents voted in favor, 76.86% to 23.13%

Question 2 (property tax exemption for certain veterans)
James City County residents voted in favor, 75.7% to 24.9%
City of Williamsburg residents voted in favor, 78.45% to 21.54%
York County residents voted in favor, 78.79% to 21.20%

Question 3 (increasing the state's rainy day fund cap)
James City County residents voted against, 53.57% to 46.42%
City of Williamsburg residents voted in favor, 57.55% to 42.44%
York County residents voted against, 50.22% to 49.77%