 Members of the city council normally serve four @-@ year terms and are elected on a staggered basis in non @-@ partisan elections . Beginning in 2008 , general elections are held the first Tuesday in November in even @-@ numbered years . In previous years , elections were held the first Tuesday in May in even @-@ numbered years . All registered voters are eligible to vote for all council members . Three council members and the mayor serve on an at @-@ large basis . All others are elected by district ( and must live in the district they represent ) : Bayside , Beach , Centerville , Kempsville , Lynnhaven , Princess Anne , and Rose Hall . 
