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Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026
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Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →
Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.
City Council · Vote for up to 2
Voters choose up to two of five candidates for two council seats, each a four-year term; the other three council members continue in office.
Dr. Joe Foley was appointed in September 2026 to the seat held by John Saunders, who died on August 22, and is to serve until the November 2027 election for the final year of that term. City of Salem · Sep 21, 2026
The state candidate list shows Jonathan D. “J.D.” Taylor and H. Hunter Holliday III as Republicans and the other three candidates as independents. Virginia Department of Elections
Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.
Next date
Early voting continues through
Sat, Oct 31, 2026
Where it standsThe council adopted a budget of a little over $119 million for fiscal year 2027 and cut the real estate tax rate by 2 cents.
What's on the tableThe next council sets each year's tax rate and budget.
Where it standsThe city projects less revenue in part because of the Yokohama Tire Plant closure and says it is pursuing other possibilities.
What's on the tableThe next council decides what the city does to attract employers and fill the revenue gap.
Where it standsA city committee is studying a stormwater utility fee that could begin in 2027, with findings to go to council for a final vote.
What's on the tableThe council will take the committee's findings and vote on whether to adopt a fee.
Where it standsTwo residents asked council at its June 8 meeting to establish an Architectural Review Board.
What's on the tableThe council decides whether to create a board to review changes to historic structures.
Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.
1. How should Salem approach taxes?
2. Should Salem create an architectural review board?
3. Should Salem adopt a stormwater utility fee?
4. How should the city handle approvals of new development?
Seat the Council →
Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.
3 stay (not up this year): Dr. Joe Foley, Anne Marie Green, Renée Turk2 on this ballot
5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.
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