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The next City of Raleigh Primary Election (if necessary) will be on March 3, 2026. The next City of Raleigh Municipal election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.
Raleigh's Government
The decisions that shape Raleigh begin with YOU! In a council-manager form of government, the people elect the council and mayor. The City Council then sets policies that impact your day-to-day life. This includes policies such as resolutions on transportation, housing, services, and infrastructure.
The City Council consists of eight members. Three of the members, including the mayor, are elected at large (this means they represent the entire city). Each of the other members are elected to represent one of five districts: A, B, C, D, and E. Each district covers a geographic region of the City. The City Council then serves as the legislative body and appoints a city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. The city manager then proposes the operating budget and implements city council policy and initiatives.
Photo ID Requirement
North Carolina requires photo ID for voting. Most voters will simply show their driver’s license. But there are many other acceptable photo IDs. If a voter does not have an acceptable photo ID, they can get one for free from their county board of elections. Learn more at Get a Free Voter Photo ID. Voters can also get a free ID card from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Find more information under “No-Fee ID Cards” at State IDs | NCDMV.
Voter Registration and Polling Places
It is quick and easy to update your voter registration, find your polling place, or see who is running in your district. For all of this and more, visit the Wake County Board of Elections.
Early Voting
More information on early voting will be available closer to the election. Check back soon!
How to Learn More
Not sure why local elections matter? Residents can learn more using the My Local Government videos. Created in 2022 by the Office of Community Engagement, staff recorded these sessions with the intention of sharing and educating Raleigh residents on some of the basic functions of local government. Whether you are new to Raleigh, or a Raleigh native, we invite you to watch this short series and share with your community.
