North Raleigh Today

Raleigh City Council is currently in the process of considering significant changes to the municipal election process and is actively seeking input from the community. The council has organized an information workshop scheduled for Wednesday, May 1 at the Chavis Community Center, running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants of the workshop will be engaged in discussions and asked a series of questions to aid the Council in making informed decisions.

The proposed changes encompass three items, consolidated into two resolutions, which will potentially transform the current municipal election landscape in Raleigh. The Council must make decisions on these resolutions by adopting corresponding ordinances before May 21. The options available to the Council include either placing the ordinance on the 2024 ballot for public voting or implementing the ordinance directly for the 2026 election without a ballot measure.

The first ordinance under consideration involves the addition of three district seats to the City Council, aimed at expanding the council's size from eight to 11 members. This adjustment would include eight district seats, two at-large seats, and the Mayor. The second ordinance proposes transitioning from two-year terms to four-year staggered terms for City Council members and the Mayor. This change would involve electing approximately half of the members every two years, with terms expiring at different intervals.

Furthermore, the third item in the proposed changes suggests a shift from a non-partisan plurality to a non-partisan primary election format. In this format, candidates would compete in a primary election, with the top two candidates advancing to the November ballot for the two at-large seats. This modification aims to enhance the electoral process and provide more structured competition among candidates.

The current structure of the Raleigh City Council consists of eight members, including the Mayor. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing City Council structure, interested individuals are encouraged to watch the informative 'My Local Government 101' video.

Participants interested in contributing to the decision-making process regarding these proposed changes are urged to attend the upcoming information workshop at the Chavis Community Center and register online to secure their spot. The City Council's pursuit of community feedback underscores the importance of engaging residents in shaping the future of municipal elections in Raleigh.