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ampaign finance reports reveal that the tourism and real estate industries have heavily backed the "Every Vote Counts" campaign, which opposes Virginia Beach's 10-1 voting system. The initiative has amassed over $200,000 in donations since April, with more than 90% of contributions exceeding $10,000.

    The data shows that the top contributors are:

    * Hotel, Lodging and Tourism: $86,500

    * Real Estate/Construction: $40,000

    In comparison, the "Vote Yes on 10-1 Referendum Coalition" committee has raised only $12,500. Reed Howard, a Virginia Beach native and practitioner fellow at UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy, notes that at-large elements in municipal governments often leave the door open for business and special interests.

    Virginia Beach's voting system debate has been contentious for years, with advocates arguing that the 10-1 system strengthens minority voting power. This November, voters will decide between implementing a 10-1 voting system or a modified 7-3-1 system. The city's charter currently mandates a 7-3-1 system, but state lawmakers had passed legislation to codify the 10-1 system before it was vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.