Election season is here! This fall, local elections across North Carolina will shape not only the future of our communities but also the health of the waterways that sustain them. While national races grab headlines, municipal elections most directly impact our lakes, rivers, and streams.
In North Carolina, local governments make key decisions about runoff management, monitoring, wastewater treatment, and land use. Mayors and city councils approve development projects, pass local ordinances, and allocate funding for everything from riparian conservation to drainage systems.
In other words, local elections matter for our waterways! But municipal races typically see low voter turnout—sometimes as low as 15%. That means your voice carries more weight than in almost any other election.
Here’s a few areas on the line in 2025:
- Zoning and development decisions about where and how to build that influence erosion, impervious surfaces, and the health of nearby streams
- Oversight of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure
- Investments in parks, trails, and riparian buffers to improve water quality and support recreation
- Runoff and flood management infrastructure
- Budgets for environmental education, emergency services, and conservation initiatives
Whether your live in Asheville, Wilmington, or a small town in between, your local leaders are making decisions every day that affect both your quality of life and the stream in your neighborhood.
Making Your Voting Plan:
Ready to vote? Start by checking your voter registration status.
- Not registered? Register today.
- Already registered? Confirm your information and update it if needed.
Make a plan to vote.
- When? Check your local election dates and deadlines.
- Where? Find your early voting site or Election Day polling place.
- How? Decide whether you’ll vote early, by mail, or on Election Day.
Know what’s on your ballot! Research candidates and local referendums ahead of time. Attend community forums, visit campaign websites, or reach out to candidates with questions.
Cast your vote! Your voice matters, especially in local elections.
Key Dates:
September Primary Election
- 8/15 – Registration Deadline
- 8/21-9/6 – Early Voting
- 8/26 – Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- 9/9 – September Primary Election Day + Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
October Primary Election
- 9/12 – Registration Deadline
- 9/18-10/4 – Early Voting
- 9/23 – Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- 10/7 – October Primary Election Day + Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
General Election
- 10/10 – Registration Deadline
- 10/16-11/1 – Early Voting
- 10/21 – Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- 11/4 – General Election Day + Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
Note: NC municipalities have different election schedules. Check your voter registration and your town’s or city’s election dates to be sure you’re eligible to vote. If you’re not registered, you can still register 25 days before Election Day or use same-day registration during Early Voting.
First-time voter? If you’ll be 18 by the General Election, you can preregister and vote in the primaries!
Your vote is your voice for clean, healthy waterways and communities. Vote local, vote often, and vote for North Carolina’s lakes, rivers, and streams.