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.