Hampton City Council approves new precinct at Hampton University to improve student access to voting

Hampton City Council voted unanimously to create a new voting precinct at Hampton University and designate the university's Convocation Center as the precinct's polling place.

Deputy City Attorney Angela King summarized the legal steps for changing precinct boundaries and polling locations, saying state law requires precincts be created by ordinance, meet population and contiguity requirements, and receive a certificate of no objection from the Virginia Office of the Attorney General before the changes can be implemented. King told council staff will also provide required notices to affected voters and post changes at the prior polling place.

The proposal—carved from the southwestern portion of the existing East Hampton precinct—was presented by staff as a measure to reduce travel and congestion at the Phoebus polling site and to improve access for students and residents who lack reliable transportation. Staff said the new precinct would leave the modified East Hampton precinct with roughly 2,200 registered voters and the Hampton University precinct with just over 2,000 registered voters; staff further stated both precincts would meet the voter‑count requirements called for in state guidance.

Speakers at the public hearing urged approval. Delegate Joan Ward (87th House District) said students’ high turnout and same‑day registrations during the most recent election showed the need for an on‑campus precinct, and Hampton NAACP first vice president Lance Jones and Hampton University President Daryl K. Williams each asked council to approve the convocation center to remove access barriers for veterans and students. Students, alumni and community groups described transportation barriers to the off‑campus Phoebus location and said an on‑campus site would increase turnout and reduce congestion.

Councilmember action: a member moved adoption of the ordinance authorizing amendments to Chapter 12 of the City Code to establish the new precinct and polling place (item 25‑0343), subject to issuance of the Attorney General’s certificate of no objection and authorizing the general registrar to request that certification and the city manager to execute a polling‑place license agreement with the university. The motion passed on a roll call vote with all members voting aye.

Next steps: Staff will seek the Attorney General’s certificate of no objection, complete required filings with the Division of Legislative Services and Department of Elections, and mail/post notices to affected voters before the next election. The ordinance takes effect upon issuance of the certificate of no objection.