Durham primary voters to narrow down choices for mayor, council members: Your Voice Your Vote 2025
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham voters are heading to the polls Tuesday for the 2025 municipal primary election.
With 59 polling locations across the Bull City, polls will open at 6:30 a.m.
Voters told ABC11 that there is a lot at stake in this election.
Vietnam veteran David Williams, 77, plans to vote Tuesday.
"Good and affordable education is important. Good education would also keep crime down," said David Williams.
Lynette Leonard, 65, voted early. She told ABC11 that crime and affordable housing are top of mind for her.
"The rent being high, period. The type of living quality for what you pay is not up to standard," she said. "Crime is terrible. It's really a problem. Recently, where I live, a young 17-year-old was killed. It's bothered a lot of neighbors."
All eyes are on the Bull City's mayoral race as four candidates are challenging Mayor Leo Williams. He said another term would help him tackle crime, transportation, public safety and affordable housing.
"Every council seat is four years. The mayoral seat is two. You're working a year and running a year," he said.
Anjanee Bell is one of his challengers.
She tells ABC11 News that safety, housing, mental health, and opportunity are important issues to her.
"It's important to consider how we increase wages so things are more affordable for those who want to live in Durham," she said.
ABC11 reached out to the three other mayoral candidates. We were either unable to reach them or there were scheduling conflicts.
Both Williams and Bell had these final words for voters.
"Durham is in the phase of its next wave of wins and successes. I have a plan and vision for that," said Williams.
"It's important for people to understand not to sit at home. If Durham matters, if the direction of it matters, you need to step in," said Bell.
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Tuesday is also the Fayetteville City Primary Election. According to the State Board of Elections, the busiest times are typically early in the morning and just before the polls close.
