Election Day 2025: What you need to know for NC municipal elections

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Voters in 380 North Carolina municipalities can cast their ballots.

In-person voting began Tuesday with polls opening at 6:30 a.m., as most North Carolina municipalities hold elections in odd-numbered years, including this one.

Polls close at 7:30 p.m., but as long as you are in line by that time, you can still vote.

Voters will elect representatives for local government offices, such as mayor and councilmembers, and some municipalities may also decide on issues like property taxes.

Across the state, 447 cities, towns, and villages in 88 counties are conducting elections this November. However, 67 municipalities have opted not to offer early or absentee voting.

To participate, voters must live in and be registered to vote in the municipality where the election is taking place. See if you are eligible to vote here.

Durham Elections

Mayor Leonardo Williams, defending his record in office, came in first by a wide margin in his bid for reelection. That sets up a matchup with Anjanee Bell.

Durham City Council could also look different, with some members facing tough races. The latest on Durham elections can be found here.

Wake County Elections

There are numerous non-party elections taking place in Wake County, including Garner, Apex, Holly Springs, Cary, Morrisville, and Fuquay-Varina.

In Cary, all three elections feature one Democrat and one Republican.

Army veteran Marjorie Eastman is challenging incumbent Carissa Johnson for the Cary town council at large seat.

Eastman is endorsed by the Wake County Republican Party, and Johnson is endorsed by the Wake County Democratic Party.

ABC11 is also keeping a close eye on the mayoral contest in Zebulon.

Eastern Wake County is growing quickly, so they are hoping for a large turnout as the incumbent mayor is facing four opponents.

Voters out on Tuesday told ABC11 that there are a lot of issues on their minds and they want to make their voice heard.

"It's most important anytime to come out to vote to have legislators to carry things on for us. This is a crucial time for our vote to go in," said Lula Cox

Earlier this year, the State Board launched the Registration Repair Project, a comprehensive effort to collect driver's license numbers or the last four digits of Social Security numbers from registered voters who do not have one of these numbers in the voter registration database.

Fayetteville Elections

In Fayetteville, incumbent Mayor Mitch Colvin easily sailed through the primary. He is going up against Kathy Keefe Jensen.

The State Board of Elections has these tips for voters:

1. Voters must live and be registered to vote in a municipality to vote in its elections.

2. On Election Day, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters in line at 7:30 p.m. will be able to cast a ballot.

3. Voters need to go to their assigned polling place on Election Day.

4. Voter registration is not permitted on Election Day.

5. Voters who still need to return their absentee ballot can drop it off in person at their county board of elections office, either during business hours or before 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

6. Those who need assistance at the polls must request that assistance by informing an election official when they enter the polling place. Curbside voting is available for voters who are unable to enter the voting place without assistance due to age or disability.

7. If you go to vote and your name is not on the voter list, you may request a provisional ballot.

8. State and federal laws forbid intimidation or interference with voters, including hindering access to the voting place, whether inside or outside the buffer zone. The law also makes it a crime to interfere with election officials carrying out their duties. Penalties for violations include fines, prison time, or both.

RELATED: What voters need to know about requirements for voting in North Carolina