Forms of Government and Methods of Election in North Carolina Cities
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Name | Style | Population | Form of Gov. | Governing Body | # Mem. | Mayor Selection | Mayor Term | Board Selection | Board Term | Election Method | Statutory Citations | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Momeyer | Town | 224 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1991, c. 242 SL 1995, c. 212 | |
Kill Devil Hills | Town | 6,683 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1995(96), c. 735 | |
Madison | Town | 2,246 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1973, c. 289 SL 2004-54 | |
Ronda | Town | 417 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Mun. Bd. Control GS 160A-101 S.C. 2019-27 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. Elections are held in even-numbered years. (S.L. 2019-73) |
Troy | Town | 3,189 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1883, c. 153 Pr. 1913, c. 342 SL 1957, c. 125 GS 160A-101 SL 2017-12 | Troy municipal elections held in even-numbered years, rather than odd-numbered years. |
Burgaw | Town | 3,872 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 2001-247 | |
Henderson | City | 15,368 | Council Manager | Council Members | 8 | Elected | 4 Years | AL/D | 2 | Majority | SL 1967, c. 780 SL 1997-62 GS 160A-101 | Four council members are elected from districts, and four are elected at large. |
Wilson | City | 49,167 | Council Manager | Council Members | 7 | Elected | 2 Years | D | 2 | Plurality | SL 1969, c. 136 SL 1979, c. 334 GS 160A-101 | |
Elm City | Town | 1,298 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1955, c. 152 | |
Lake Park | Village | 3,422 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1993(94), c. 620 | |
Plymouth | Town | 3,878 | Council Manager | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | D | 2 | Plurality | SL 1995, c. 325 SL 2001-51 | |
Stallings | Town | 13,831 | Council Manager | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 4 Years | DAL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1975, c. 758 GS 160A-101 | |
Belhaven | Town | 1,688 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | DAL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1969, c. 714 | Although the town charter as enacted in SL 1969, c. 714, styles the governing board as the board of aldermen, the town itself actually styles it as the town council. |
Gastonia | City | 71,741 | Council Manager | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 4 Years | DAL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1991, c. 557 SL 1993, c. 136 GS 160A-101 | |
Wadesboro | Town | 5,813 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1975, c. 297 SL 2003-190 | |
Cramerton | Town | 4,165 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 2013 178 SL 1967, c. 1061 SL 2013-178 | |
North Topsail Beach | Town | 743 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1989, c. 100 | |
Sanford | City | 28,094 | Council Manager | Council Members | 7 | Elected | 4 Years | AL/D | 4S | Partisan | SL 1967, c. 650 SL 1997-245 GS 163-290 GS 160A-101 SL 2013-220 | Five council members are elected from districts, and two are elected at large. |
Monroe | City | 32,797 | Council Manager | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Majority | SL 2000-35 | |
King | City | 6,904 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1983, c. 351 GS 160A-101 | |
Maggie Valley | Town | 1,150 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1973(74), c. 1337 SL 1995(96), c. 558 GS 160A-101 | |
Roper | Town | 611 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1907, c. 24 GS 160A-101 SL 2008-104 | Although the Roper charter styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the council. |
Tryon | Town | 1,646 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1971, c. 441 GS 160A-101 | |
Burlington | City | 49,963 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4 | Primary | SL 1961, c. 119 GS 160A-101 SL 2014-74 | |
Hendersonville | City | 13,137 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Primary | GS 160A-101 SL 1971, c. 874 | |
Wilson\'s Mills | Town | 2,277 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1996 (2d extra), c. 12 | |
Elon | Town | 9,419 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1985, c. 109 | |
Polkton | Town | 3,375 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 2003-328 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Stanfield | Town | 1,486 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1957, c. 485 SL 2015-253 | Stanfield municipal elections held in even-numbered years, rather than odd-numbered years. |
Belmont | City | 10,076 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1921, c. 22 Pr. 1935, c. 161 SL 1947, c. 125 SL 1969, c. 930 GS 160A-101 SC 2017, c. 48 | |
Gatesville | Town | 321 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 3 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4 | Plurality | SL 2009-465 Pr. 1923, c. 88 SL 2009-17 | Although the town charter styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the town council. |
Wagram | Town | 840 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1911, c. 161 SL 1981, c. 404 | |
Creedmoor | City | 4,124 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1969, c. 826 GS 160A-101 | |
North Wilkesboro | Town | 4,245 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 1977, c. 263 | |
Saratoga | Town | 408 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 3 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1947, c. 462 SL 1977, c. 479 GS 163-290 | |
Aberdeen | Town | 6,350 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 1975, c. 147 | The mayor term for the 2019 election will be 2 years. Beginning in 2021, the mayor will be elected for a term of 4 years. |
Cedar Point | Town | 1,279 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1987(88), c. 1005 | Although the town charter, SL 1987(88), c. 1005, styles the governing board as the town council, the town actually styles the board as the board of commissioners. There will be a change from 4 to 5 governing board members in the 2021 election. |
Cedar Rock | Town | 300 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1997-317 | |
Montreat | Town | 723 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1985, c. 295 SL 1998-38 GS 160A-101 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. Beginning with 2015 election, Mayor term is four years. |
Kings Mountain | City | 10,296 | Council Manager | Council Members | 7 | Elected | 2 Years | AL/D | 2 | Plurality | SL 1947, c. 684 SL 1951, c. 836 SL 1969, c. 204 GS 160A-101 | Five council members are elected from districts, and two are elected at large. |
Magnolia | Town | 939 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1905, c. 174 SL 1963, c. 82 | |
Rose Hill | Town | 1,626 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1901, c. 67 SL 1969, c. 330 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Turkey | Town | 292 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | Pr. 1913, c. 82 | |
Burnsville | Town | 1,693 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Mun. Bd. Control 1922 GS 160A-66 GS 160A-101 | Changed to council-manager form of government August 6, 2021. |
Hertford | Town | 2,143 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1965, c. 586 | |
Windsor | Town | 3,630 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Primary | SL 1963, c. 237 SL 1943, c. 253 SL 1965, c. 564 GS 160A-101 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator who supervises all departments. |
Emerald Isle | Town | 3,655 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1973, c. 526 GS 160A-101 | |
Lake Waccamaw | Town | 1,480 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | D | 4S | Plurality | SL 1967, c. 14 GS 160A-101 | |
Polkville | Town | 545 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1971, c. 178 SL 1979, c. 266 | Although the legislation cited above styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the town council. |
Stanley | Town | 3,556 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | DAL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1911, c. 233 GS 160A-101 | |
Belville | Town | 1,936 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1977, c. 84 GS 160A-101 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator who supervises all departments. |
Gibson | Town | 540 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1899, c. 163 SL 2005-61 | Although the legislative acts cited style the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the town council. |
Wake Forest | Town | 30,117 | Council Manager | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1973, c. 273 SL 1993, c. 118 | |
Creswell | Town | 276 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | Pr. 1907, c. 276 SL 1993(94), c. 626 GS 163-279 | |
Northwest | City | 735 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1993, c. 222 | |
Sawmills | Town | 5,240 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Primary | SL 1987, c. 648 | The council employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Ahoskie | Town | 5,039 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL/D | 4S | Plurality | SL 1963, c. 609 GS 160A-101 SL 2009-31 | Four council members are elected from districts and one is elected at large. |
Cerro Gordo | Town | 207 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1973, c. 1044 | Although the town charter, SL 1973, c. 1044, styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the town council. |
Mooresboro | Town | 311 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1981, c. 113 SL 1977(78), c. 1209 | Although the legislation cited above styles the governing board as the board of commissioners, the town actually styles the board as the town council. |
Kingstown | Town | 681 | Mayor Council | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Majority | SL 1989, c. 632 | |
Maiden | Town | 3,310 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S/2 | Plurality | Pr. 1883, c. 103 PL 1939, c. 350 SL 1955, c. 445 GS 160A-101 | Three council members are elected every two years. The two persons with the highest vote totals receive four-year terms; the person with the third-highest vote total receives a two-year term. |
Roseboro | Town | 1,191 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1891, c. 279 SL 1995, c. 18 | |
Unionville | Town | 5,929 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1998-151 SL 1999-90 | |
Butner | Town | 7,591 | Council Manager | Council Members | 6 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | GS 160A-101 SL 2007-269 | |
Hickory | City | 40,010 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 6 | Elected | 4 Years | DAL | 4S | Primary | SL 1961, c. 323 SL 1967, c. 404 | |
Winfall | Town | 594 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1971, c. 342, 773 GS 160A-101 | |
Enfield | Town | 2,532 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL/D | 4S | Plurality | SL 1993, c. 479 | Four commissioners are elected from districts and one is elected at large. The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Landis | Town | 3,109 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1975, c. 213 SL 1987, c. 13 SL 2003-126 GS 160A-101 | The board of aldermen employ a town administrator to supervise all departments. |
Pollocksville | Town | 311 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1911, c. 163 SL 1965, c. 202 GS 160A-101 GS 163-279 | |
Stantonsburg | Town | 784 | Council Manager | Council Members | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1977(78), c. 1212 GS 160A-101 | |
Belwood | Town | 950 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 4 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1977(78), c. 1208 SL 1981, c. 114 | |
Gibsonville | Town | 6,410 | Council Manager | Aldermen | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | SL 1979, c. 392 | |
Walkertown | Town | 4,675 | Council Manager | Council Members | 4 | Elected | 2 Years | AL | 2 | Plurality | SL 1983(84), c. 936 GS 160A-101 | |
Crossnore | Town | 192 | Mayor Council | Aldermen | 5 | Elected | At pleasure of board | AL | 4S/2 | Plurality | SL 1967, c. 832 | Three aldermen are elected every two years. The two persons receiving the highest number of votes receive four-year terms; the third finisher receives a two-year term. |
Norwood | Town | 2,379 | Mayor Council | Commissioners | 5 | Elected | 4 Years | AL | 4S | Plurality | Pr. 1905, c. 212 SL 2001-15 SL 2015-253 | The board of commissioners employs a town administrator to supervise all departments. Norwood municipal elections held in even-numbered years, rather than odd-numbered years. |