On May 7, Raleigh City Council voted to enact changes to the municipal election process through City Ordinance (2024) 627. These changes follow recommendations from community feedback, the 2023 ETC Institute survey, and deliberations by City Council.
Key Changes to City Council Elections Effective 2026
Four-Year Staggered Terms
- Council members and the Mayor will serve four-year terms.
- Approximately half of the members will run every two years.
- Transition Plan:
- In 2026, half the Council will run for two-year terms expiring 2028.
- The other half will run for four-year terms expiring 2030.
Non-Partisan Primary Election Format
- March Primary: All candidates in a district will be on the ballot, and the top two candidates are chosen for the November ballot.
- November Election: The top two candidates from the primary advance to the general election.
Background and Engagement Timeline
Want to know more about how we got here? View the presentation that Community Engagement Director Tiesha Mosely delivered on May 7, 2024.