Municipal elections in Catawba County are moving to even-numbered years under new North Carolina legislation that is now law. According to information from the North Carolina General Assembly, House Bill 1035, known as “Various Local Election Changes Three,” shifts local election dates beginning in 2028. Because of the change, no municipal elections will be held in 2027, and current city and town council members will receive a one-year extension to their terms.

The measure passed both chambers of the General Assembly and did not require the governor’s signature because it is a local bill. While there was debate over whether municipal races should become partisan, the new law keeps Catawba County’s elections nonpartisan. Local cities and towns asked lawmakers to preserve the current system while moving elections to even-numbered years.

Supporters say the change will increase voter participation by placing municipal races on the same ballot as presidential and statewide elections, when turnout is typically much higher. More than 50 municipalities across North Carolina already hold their elections in even-numbered years, a model supporters believe will strengthen local voter participation.