Upcoming Election

2021 Municipal Elections

North Carolina has more than 550 cities, towns, and villages – also known as municipalities. Municipalities are local governments, which control local tax rates and make decisions about development, policing, trash service, and other issues that affect voters’ daily lives.

Most municipalities in North Carolina conduct elections in odd-numbered years, including 2021. This is when voters choose who will represent them in local government offices, such as mayor and councilperson. Some municipalities may also conduct property tax or other referenda.

In 2021, there are two municipal election dates in North Carolina:

• Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021
• Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021

The voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. Find out how to register.

Are the 2021 Municipal Elections Postponed?

Most elections will occur as scheduled, but about 35 municipalities must delay elections until 2022 to revise electoral districts based on new population numbers from the 2020 U.S. Census. For details, visit our press release, Elections Postponed in Several North Carolina Municipalities.

Find Election Dates, Early and By-Mail Voting Options

Not all municipalities offer in-person early voting and absentee-by-mail voting. Find the election dates and options available at the 2021 Municipal Voter Tool.

We are tracking any changes to scheduled election dates and will update the tool accordingly.

Where Municipal Elections Are Available

Municipal elections are available only to voters who live in that municipality. All registered voters will find their sample ballot(s) with any eligible contest(s) posted to their Voter Search profile as they become available. Find more details below in our FAQ.

More Information

• Want to be a candidate? Visit Running for Municipal Office.
• For information about serving in elections, visit Get Involved in Elections.
• To learn about working in the upcoming election, contact your county board of elections.