Election season is here! This fall, local elections across the Piedmont will shape the future of everyday life in our communities and the natural resources we depend on. Though national races often get more attention, municipal elections have the most direct impact on our day-to-day lives. In North Carolina’s Piedmont, local governments make key decisions about land use, public transit, education, and runoff management. Mayors and city councils approve development projects, invest in clean energy, and allocate funding for everything from fire departments to greenway maintenance.

 

In other words, local elections matter! But municipal races typically see low voter turnout—sometimes as low as 15%. That means your voice carries more weight than in almost any other election.

 

Here’s a few areas on the line in 2025:

• Zoning and development that impact sprawl, habitat loss, and air pollution
• Oversight of water, sewage, recycling, waste collection, and energy efficiency
• Investments in parks, trails, and environmental education programs
• Runoff and flood management infrastructure
• Budgets for public schools, emergency services, and environmental initiatives

Whether your live in Charlotte, Raleigh, or a small town in between, your local leaders are making decisions every day that affect both your quality of life and your environment.

Making Your Voting Plan:

Ready to vote? Start by checking your voter registration status.

• Not registered? Register today.
• Already registered? Confirm your information and update it if needed.

Make a plan to vote.

• When? Check your local election dates and deadlines.
• Where? Find your early voting site or Election Day polling place.
• How? Decide whether you’ll vote early, by mail, or on Election Day.

Know what’s on your ballot! Research candidates and local referendums ahead of time. Attend community forums, visit campaign websites, or reach out to candidates with questions.

Cast your vote! Your voice matters, especially in local elections.

Key Dates:

September Primary Election

• 8/15 – Registration Deadline
• 8/21-9/6 – Early Voting
• 8/26 – Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
• 9/9 – September Primary Election Day + Absentee Ballot Return Deadline

October Primary Election

• 9/12 – Registration Deadline
• 9/18-10/4 – Early Voting
• 9/23 – Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
• 10/7 – October Primary Election Day + Absentee Ballot Return Deadline

General Election

• 10/10 – Registration Deadline
• 10/16-11/1 – Early Voting
• 10/21 – Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
• 11/4 – General Election Day + Absentee Ballot Return Deadline

Note: NC municipalities have different election schedules. Check your voter registration and your town’s or city’s election dates to be sure you’re eligible to vote. If you’re not registered, you can still register 25 days before Election Day or use same-day registration during Early Voting.

First-time voter? If you’ll be 18 by the General Election, you can preregister and vote in the primaries!

Your vote is your voice on issues that affect your home, your neighborhood, and the environment you enjoy every day. Let’s show up for our communities and for the future we want to build. Vote local, vote often, and vote for North Carolina’s future.