Filing dates established for local elections
*Note - The North Carolina General Assembly voted on Wednesday, January 19 to delay the primary election, again, until Tuesday, June 7. The measure must be approved by Governor Roy Cooper for it to take effect.
After a flurry of confusion and uncertainty last month, the Superior Court of Wake County issued an order last week affecting elections in Davidson County. On December 8, 2021, the North Carolina Supreme Court halted filings for state and local elections as lawsuits regarding district lines and gerrymandering journeyed through the judicial system.
The Superior Court of Wake County has determined candidate filing will resume on Thursday, February 24 at 8a.m. and conclude on Friday, March 4 at 12p.m. In Davidson County, candidates filing for county offices, the Lexington City Schools Board of Education, Lexington City Mayor, and Lexington City Council are required to do so between those dates and times.
The primary and delayed Lexington City election will be held on Tuesday, May 17. On November 8, the election will determine the winners of the county offices and Davidson County Schools Board of Education.
According to Andrew Richards, director of the Davidson County Board of Elections, any candidate who filed between December 6 and December 8 doesn’t have to file again. “There’s nothing else they have to do.”
Until last week, Richards shared when they received calls about the elections, the staff had no answers. “We received plenty of phone calls but didn’t have any information until the courts finally made a decision. We didn’t know if they would continue with the May 17th date or move it again.”
Currently, no additional information has emerged indicating election dates could change again but Richards said “Anything’s possible.” With over a month left until filing begins again, the board of elections staff is continuing to prep for what has the potential to be an abnormally busy time in their office. However, Richards is confident they can handle whatever comes their way. “We were ready then and we’re ready now.”
For more information about filing periods and the upcoming elections, call the Davidson County Board of Elections at (336)242-2190 or visit their website.
Filing periods:
County Offices and Lexington City Schools Board of Education
Starting: February 24, 2022 8:00 AM
Ending: March 4, 2022 12:00 PM
Lexington City Mayor and City Council
Starting: February 24, 2022 8:00 AM
Ending: March 4, 2022 12:00 PM
Soil and Water
Starting: June 13, 2022 at Noon
Ending: July 1, 2022 at Noon
Davidson County School Board of Education
Starting: June 13, 2022 at Noon
Ending: July 1, 2022 at Noon
