New Bern would hold city elections every four years starting in 2030

New Bern would hold regular city elections in 2030 and every four years thereafter. The mayor and all aldermen whose terms end in 2029 would serve one additional year. These provisions would take effect if the bill becomes law. The act would take effect when it becomes law and apply beginning with elections held on or after January 1, 2030.

New Bern voters would elect the mayor and aldermen through nonpartisan elections, with the candidate receiving the most votes winning. This method would cover races for New Bern’s mayor and aldermen. City elections would follow North Carolina’s general rules for municipal elections. If the bill becomes law, this method would apply to elections held on or after January 1, 2030.

New Bern would hold a special election to fill an alderman’s seat if it remains vacant for 90 days. These rules would cover empty seats on New Bern’s Board of Aldermen. Special elections would follow the city charter and state election rules. No special election would be required if it would fall on the same date as the regular city election. The appointment deadline would be noon on the first day candidates can file for the next available election, provided that day is at least 90 days after the vacancy began. If the board makes no appointment before the deadline, the candidate receiving the most votes in the special election would fill the seat. If the bill becomes law, these rules would apply beginning with elections held on or after January 1, 2030.