Lincoln County commissioners vote 3–2 to recommend statewide term limits to the General Assembly

Lincoln County commissioners voted 3–2 to send a recommendation to the North Carolina General Assembly asking it to consider statewide term limits for county elected offices.

County Attorney Megan Gilbert told the board that, under North Carolina case law and guidance from the School of Government, counties lack authority to impose local term limits. “So the only way that a term limit can actually be done legally is through an amendment to the constitution ... and that is the state constitution,” Gilbert said, advising that the board could still forward a recommendation to the General Assembly.

Several members of the public urged the board to act. Matthew Craig told commissioners: “We still want you to vote on it. Send it to the next level.” Ken Hebner and other speakers likewise urged commissioners to state where they stand. On the board, the motion put the matter forward as a recommendation to the General Assembly; the motion passed 3–2. Commissioner Jamie Lineberger explicitly stated he voted no, saying he thought term limits “are detrimental” and could remove accountability.

Chair Mitchum and other supporters said sending a recommendation would allow the county’s views to be considered at the state level; staff said any change would require a constitutional amendment and a statewide ballot. The board directed staff to prepare a letter to the county’s state delegation (Representative Heather Wright and Senator Ted Alexander were named in discussion) conveying the board’s request.

The recommendation itself does not change local law or impose limits; it asks the General Assembly to consider a statewide measure and, if necessary, a constitutional amendment and a ballot measure.