Oct 16, 2025 - Politics

Voting begins in local races around the Triangle

Mary Helen Moore

Hand with black-painted nails holding a white oval sticker that says "I Voted Early!" with a waving American flag, outside a building with glass doors and brick wall. — Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios

Early voting starts today in local races around the Triangle in the 2025 municipal election.

Why it matters: Odd years typically have low voter turnout, even though local elected leaders make decisions that deeply affect our lives.

City and town officials on the ballot this fall will guide growth and development, set property tax rates, and spend on things like parks, policing and roads.

The intrigue: One place voters won't be casting ballots is in Raleigh.

The city moved permanently to even-year elections beginning in 2022, a move that typically triples turnout, reports the North Carolina Rabbit Hole.

State of play: Same-day registration is allowed during early voting, as are address and party affiliation changes. Make sure you bring a photo ID.

Several polling places are open weekdays (and often weekends) in Wake, Durham and Orange counties.
Want to vote by mail? Get your request in by Oct. 21.

Zoom in: There are competitive local races in the Wake County communities of Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon.

Durham has several tight races after a primary narrowed the field.
In Orange County, voters have decisions to make in Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Mebane. Other races don't have competition.
INDY Week and the News & Observer have produced voter guides worth consulting.

What's next: Election Day is Nov. 4.

Add Axios on Google

Voting begins in local races around the Triangle

More Raleigh stories