City Council elections are held in even numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in May. Any person who is at least 18 years old, a United State citizen, and a resident of Newport News, is eligible to be a candidate for election. The Mayor and other members of City Council are elected by the voters for four-year terms. Terms are staggered to avoid a complete changeover of City Council. The Mayor is elected at large, meaning all registered voters may vote for a candidate running for that office. The Vice Mayor is elected by a majority vote of City Council members every two years.

City Council members are elected by voters according to a District System. The City is divided into three sections – North, Central, and South Districts. Citizens vote for those candidates who are running for office in their district, as well as the office of Mayor. They may also cast write-in ballots.