June 25, 2025

MONROE, N.C. – House Bill 3, recently passed by the North Carolina General Assembly, brings significant changes to the City of Monroe’s municipal elections. The bill moves Monroe’s elections to even-numbered years and changes them from nonpartisan to partisan contests. These changes apply only to the City of Monroe and do not affect the remaining 13 municipalities within Union County.
Municipal elections for all other Union County towns will continue as scheduled in odd-numbered years, with candidate filing for the 2025 election cycle opening at 8 a.m. on July 7 and closing at noon on July 18, 2025.
Due to the passage of House Bill 3:

  • Monroe will not hold municipal elections in 2025.
  • The current term of the Monroe mayor and all city council members has been extended by one year to align with the revised election schedule.
  • The next municipal election in Monroe will be held in 2026, with candidate filing beginning at noon on December 1, 2025, and ending at noon on December 19, 2025.
  • A primary election will be held on March 3, 2026, and if necessary, a second primary election will be held on May 12, 2026.
  • The general election will take place on November 4, 2026.

Under the new law, Monroe municipal candidates must now run with a political party affiliation. Candidates must be registered with the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, or Green Party for at least 90 days prior to filing.

Unaffiliated candidates will not appear on the March primary ballot but may qualify for the November general election by petition. To do so, unaffiliated candidates must gather valid signatures from 1.5% of registered voters within the Monroe city limits. Those interested in beginning the petition process should contact the Union County Board of Elections by emailing union.boe@unioncountync.gov.

Kristin Holloway, Union County Director of Elections, emphasized the Board of Election’s commitment to transparency and voter education as these changes are implemented. “Our team will support the City of Monroe through these last-minute legislative changes. We are working closely with City leaders to ensure voters and potential candidates are informed and prepared for the updated election schedule and requirements.”

For more information about the new election timeline, candidate qualifications, or voter registration, email us at union.boe@unioncountync.gov.