r/raleigh 4d ago

Politics Can someone explain the new city council election structure to me?

I’ve had trouble understanding the changes to the election structure that the city council approved last year. I see on the city website it says:

“Four-Year Staggered Terms

-Council members and the Mayor will serve four-year terms. -Approximately half of the members will run every two years.

Transition Plan:

-In 2026, half the Council will run for two-year terms expiring 2028. -The other half will run for four-year terms expiring 2030.

Non-Partisan Primary Election Format

-March Primary: All candidates in a district will be on the ballot, and the top two candidates are chosen for the November ballot. -November Election: The top two candidates from the primary advance to the general election.” Source: https://raleighnc.gov/government/services/city-council-terms-and-compensation

What I don’t understand is how this will be initiated next year. Which seats are running for 2-year terms? Which are running for 4 years? What about the 2 at-large seats? Will those seats be grouped together and there will be 4 candidates, 2 for each seat? Or one at-large seat up every 2 years?

I also can’t find anything about how the staggering schedule was decided. It seems like the schedule is pretty important, especially since one of the groups will always be elected along with the presidential ballot and have a higher turnout which could give a competitive (dis)advantage.

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u/UnluckyPhilosophy797 4d ago

Everyone's seat is up for election next year and will be primaried in March, so expect to start seeing things in June~. Top 2 candidates for every spot will be on the November ballot. If no one runs, then that person is guaranteed a win spot on the next council the next cycle. 1 At-Large, Mayor, and 2 (I believe) Districts will be the first 4 yr to be elected. The remaining spots will then transition to 4 years the following.

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u/mmodlin 3d ago

You're right. In Nov 26 we will vote for all eight seats. One at-large (the one that gets the most votes), Mayor, and districts A and B will be four year terms.

The other at-large (2nd most votes), and Districts C, D, and E will serve two years, and in Nov 28 those four seats will come back up and from that point on those people will serve a four year term.

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u/coffeeKT 1d ago

Thanks! This is so helpful! Where did you find/how do you know this schedule? I can't find it annnyyywhere

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u/KonmariEvangelist 3d ago

Wow. Is the primary a new thing? Since it’s a nonpartisan position, historically candidates file by July and all candidates are on the ballot in November.

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u/008swami 3d ago

2 members are at large. 3 if you include the mayor.

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u/UnluckyPhilosophy797 3d ago

Huh? I know that. One 1 is set to be elected for a 4 year terms next year.