Charlotte, NC, August 13, 2025
News Summary
On September 9, Charlotte will host local elections, providing voters with the opportunity to exert influence on city leadership. Key figures include Mayor Vi Lyles, who aims for re-election, and candidates for the vacated District 6 City Council seat. Issues such as federal fraud charges against a candidate and a sales tax referendum for transportation upgrades complicate the political landscape. The primary election will be crucial, as it determines nominees for the general election on November 4, reflecting the community’s active political engagement.
Charlotte will be the center of attention as local elections take place on September 9, 2024, where voters will have significant influence over the area’s government leadership. Among the key figures is Mayor Vi Lyles, who is running for re-election in a bid to become the second-longest-serving mayor in the city’s history. Additionally, voters will fill the recently vacated District 6 City Council seat, left open by the former Republican councilman Tariq Bokhari, who departed to join the Trump administration.
Complicating the election scene, council candidate Tiawana Brown is currently facing federal fraud charges, yet she is still in the running for re-election. In addition to the mayoral race, several town board elections are slated to take place, along with a significant referendum concerning a sales tax increase to fund transportation upgrades.
The upcoming primary election is crucial for candidates in Charlotte, as it determines the majority party’s nominees for the general election scheduled for November 4, 2024. Charlotte will be the only city in the region holding elections in September, while other municipalities, including Cornelius and Matthews, will vote during the general election in November. This election cycle presents opportunities for numerous candidates and reflects ongoing political engagement within the community.
Context of the Elections
The mayoral primary will see a competitive field, featuring Democratic candidates such as Mayor Lyles, Jaraun “Gemini” Boyd, Delter Kenny Guinn III, Brendan Maginnis, and Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel. For the at-large City Council positions, there are ten Democrats vying for four open spots, including incumbents Dimple Ajmera, James “Smuggie” Mitchell, LaWana Slack-Mayfield, and Victoria Watlington, competing against challengers like Matt Britt, Roderick Davis, and Will Holley. The Republican candidates for the at-large seats include Edwin Peacock and Misun Kim.
Historically, winning the Democratic primary is vital, given Charlotte’s voting patterns, which heavily favor Democratic candidates in general elections. Additionally, Mecklenburg County voters will have a school board election and a sales tax referendum for transportation projects on the November ballot, reflecting a broader scope of governance issues at stake.
Local Government Elections
The District 3 seat appears to be the only contested race void of multiple candidates, as most municipal elections will likely be determined during the primary. The upcoming town elections also cover a range of local officials, including mayors and board members in towns like Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville. Notably, Cornelius has three candidates competing for mayor, while Huntersville has an intense contest with ten candidates competing for six town board spots.
Voting Requirements and Procedures
Voters will need to present photo ID at polling locations, but those without ID will have the option to complete an exception form that allows them to participate in the election. Early voting is set to run from August 21 to September 6, with specific polling hours and locations. Absentee ballots will be available for request starting August 8, with a cut-off date for requests on August 26.
All registered voters who have resided in the area for at least 30 days prior to election day will be eligible to vote in the municipal elections. This election cycle will also witness a record voter turnout, as indicated by the first day of early voting, which reflects an increased engagement level among residents. However, early voting data may not always predict final election outcomes, considering the significant demographic diversity among early voters.
Conclusion
The upcoming elections in Charlotte, along with the key decisions regarding local leadership, transportation funding, and town ordinances, will directly impact the community’s future. As election day approaches, voter participation and leadership choices will shape the city’s direction for years to come.
FAQ Section
What date is the primary election in Charlotte?
The primary election is scheduled for September 9, 2024.
Who is running for mayor?
Democratic candidates for mayor include Vi Lyles, Jaraun “Gemini” Boyd, Delter Kenny Guinn III, Brendan Maginnis, and Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel.
What is on the ballot aside from the mayoral race?
In addition to the mayoral race, there will be local council elections, a sales tax referendum for transportation upgrades, and various town board elections.
What voting requirements do residents need to meet?
Residents must present a photo ID to vote. If they do not have one, they can fill out an exception form to cast their ballots.
When does early voting begin?
Early voting starts on August 21 and ends on September 6, 2024.
Will the same candidates be on the ballot in November?
The primary will determine which candidates advance to the general election on November 4, 2024. Candidates from the primaries will face each other in the general election.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 4 Now: Election Results
- WBTV: North Carolina State House Election Results
- Charlotte Observer: Election Updates
- Spectrum Local News: Charlotte Mayor & Council Election Results
- Wikipedia: Elections in the United States
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
