Is there a deadline by which the process must be complete, in order to be effective at the next election?
>Yes. G.S. 160A-109 requires that any amendment affecting the election of mayor or council members must "be finally adopted and approved" at least 90 days before the first election to which it applies. In the terminology of the statute, the council "adopts" the ordinance, and the voters "approve" the ordinance, and so any referendum must be held at least 90 days before the first city election to which the ordinance will apply.
Public Officials - Local and State Government Roles
Topics - Local and State Government