When people think about elections, they often picture high‑profile state or national races. But some of the decisions that affect our daily lives most, such as city services, local development, and neighborhood safety, are made by leaders elected in municipal elections.

Municipal elections determine who governs your city or town, from the mayor and city council to local boards and, in some cases, school districts. Understanding what they are and how they differ from primary and general elections helps voters stay informed and engaged at the level of government closest to home.

A municipal election is a local election in which residents vote for officials who serve in their city or town government. In North Carolina, most municipal elections are held in odd‑numbered years (for example, 2025, 2027, etc.).

Depending on the municipality, these elections may include races for:

• Mayor
• City or Town Council Members
• City Clerk or Treasurer
• Local Boards and Commissions

Some towns also hold referendums or bond votes during municipal elections to decide on major local initiatives, such as infrastructure projects, park investments, or utility services.

Municipal elections are nonpartisan in most North Carolina communities, including many in Cabarrus County. That means candidates run without a party label, and voters choose the person they believe is best for the job. However, a few municipalities hold partisan elections, in which candidates are listed under a political party (Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian). The format depends on each town’s charter.

In municipalities that hold primaries (called municipal primaries), those races are held in the fall, ahead of Election Day, to narrow the candidate field.

Municipal Elections

• Focus on local government positions (mayor, council, boards).
• Usually nonpartisan in nature.
• Typically held in odd‑numbered years.
• Influence day‑to‑day issues such as zoning, downtown development, public safety, and parks.

Primary Elections

• Held before a general or municipal election.
• Allow political parties to choose their nominees for the general election ballot.
• In North Carolina, unaffiliated voters can choose which party’s primary to vote in.
• Learn more about Primary Elections

General Elections

• Take place in even‑numbered years (such as 2026) and decide who will hold statewide, county, and federal offices.
• Include races for Congress, governor, and county commissioners.
• Learn more about General Elections

Even though turnout in municipal elections is often lower than in state or federal elections, these votes are where residents have the greatest influence on local decisions.

Your ballot in a municipal election helps decide:

• How our community manages growth and zoning
• The direction of revitalization and infrastructure
• Policies for public safety, sanitation, and parks
• The level of transparency and accountability in local government

Because these elections are smaller and often decided by only a handful of votes, every single ballot can have a meaningful impact. A municipal election may not make national headlines, but it directly determines how our community functions, from the roads you drive on to the parks your family enjoys. Local government starts with local participation, and your vote truly matters most closest to home.