​​The City of Virginia Beach operates under the council-manager form of government.

Members of the City Council are elected for four-year terms on a staggered basis. In the past, Virginia Beach residents could vote for all 11 council members, including the mayor.

Beginning with the November 2022 election, residents are only able to vote for candidates who live in their newly defined district (as determined by the U.S. District Court). All residents will still be able to vote for the mayor. The next mayor’s election will take place in 2028.