Summary:
- Municipal governments in North Carolina shape everyday life, determining local school funding, public safety resources, infrastructure, and more.
- Voter turnout is lower in local elections, each vote is more likely to be decisive.
- With varying local election dates across the state, it’s essential to check your voter registration, even if you’ve voted before at the same address.
If you’re reading this, municipal filing for 2025 has finished. You’ve heard the saying: all politics is local. What you may not know, however, is how much power you have just by showing up and casting your vote at the local level.
Municipal elections play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our North Carolina communities. Unlike headline-grabbing state and national races, local elections directly choose the leaders, bureaucrats, and policies that govern our cities and towns.
With crucial voting deadlines approaching, you have the chance to be engaged in the electoral process. Voter registration is a critical step for residents who want to make their voices heard.
Due to municipalities across the state having different election dates, you should check your voter registration even if you have voted at your current address before. Note that some cities, towns, and school districts have moved their local elections to even-numbered years, so not everyone will have the opportunity to vote in 2025.
Local governments in North Carolina make decisions that significantly impact our daily lives—from approving budgets and setting tax rates, to determining zoning laws and infrastructure investments. Our level of investment in first responders, the quality of our utility providers, the strength of our schools, and the number of mobility and transportation options in our community are all determined at the local level.
Here are a few key areas where mayors and city councils can have a big influence on our lives:
(Image: UNC School of Government)
The best way to make your voice heard at the local level is to vote, and it’s also the most impactful. Because voter participation is lower in city and town council elections, your vote is more likely to be decisive.
Below you’ll see the various election dates. This is not an exhaustive list; check wth your local board of elections for more information.
- Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 (Partisan primary) if necessary:
- Forsyth County: Bethania, Clemmons, Kernersville, Lewisville, Rural Hall, Tobaccoville, Walkertown
- Guilford County: Kernersville
- Lee County: Sanford
- Madison County: Hot Springs, Marshall, Mars Hill
- Mecklenburg County: Charlotte
- Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (Second primary, primary election, or general election, depending on election method):
- Various municipalities
- Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 (General election or runoff, depending on election method):
- Various municipalities
In North Carolina, the deadline to register to vote in municipal elections is 25 days before the primary election to vote in the primary (if applicable), and 25 days before the general election to vote on Election Day. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry – if you’re already registered to vote at your current address, you’ll be eligible to vote in every election.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that North Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period, which can be an excellent opportunity for those who may have missed the deadline. Ensuring you’re registered is the first step to participating in your local democracy.
A couple other things you should know:
- As long as a voter turns 18 years of age before the general election, they can vote in the primary election as long as they’re registered. Young voters can even preregister to make sure they’re on the voter rolls as soon as they’re old enough to vote.
- Many local elections are officially nonpartisan – especially at the school board level – so do your research on the candidates before you vote since they may not have a “D” for Democrat or an “R” for Republican next to their name on the ballot. As Carolina Forward has reported, “trojan horse” candidates sometimes take advantage of these local races to pretend to be someone they’re not.
Our municipal elections are more than just a checkbox on the ballot; they are an opportunity for us to take an active role in shaping our communities. Every vote counts, and your participation is essential to ensuring your local government reflects the needs and aspirations of its residents.
Let’s take an active role in the future of our communities – don’t forget to vote early, and in every election!
