Apex council asks state lawmakers to shift municipal elections to even years beginning 2030

The Apex Town Council voted 4–1 on June 23 to direct the town clerk and the town’s legislative lobbyist to pursue legislation in the North Carolina General Assembly to transition Apex municipal elections to an even‑year schedule beginning in 2030.

Rationale and proposal: Mayor Pro Tem Mahaffey said the short session timeline made this the council’s last practical opportunity to request a change this cycle. He proposed a transition that preserves voter choice without lengthening current terms: conduct the 2027 and 2029 municipal elections for three‑year terms so that the next regularly scheduled elections would fall in 2030 on an even‑year cycle. Council discussion touched on pros and cons, including alignment with larger election cycles, perceived cost savings, concerns about losing off‑cycle municipal attention and the mechanics of implementing staggered terms.

Outcome and next steps: The council’s motion directs the town clerk, working with the town’s legislative lobbyist, to seek a sponsoring bill in the General Assembly to effect the transition beginning with the 2030 municipal election schedule. Councilmember Zigman seconded the motion; the measure passed 4–1.

What it does not do: The council’s direction does not itself change election law — implementation depends on action by the North Carolina General Assembly and any enabling state statute would include implementation details. If the legislature acts, the town would run the 2027 and 2029 elections under three‑year term rules only if a state law enabling that transition is approved.