Monroe elections to be partisan, held on even-numbered years after passage of House Bill 3

MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Monroe city leaders will have their terms extended as changes come to local elections.

With the passage this week of N.C. House Bill 3 in the General Assembly, the city’s elections will now take place in even-numbered years and will be held on a partisan basis. 

These changes apply only to the City of Monroe and do not affect other municipalities within Union County. Many other local municipalities hold elections in odd-numbered years, including those within Mecklenburg County.

Earlier this month, Monroe’s city council voiced their opposition to the legislation. However, Mayor Robert Burns said Wednesday this is a win for transparency.

“HB3 is a voter transparency bill, giving voters a baseline of where candidates stand by marking a party affiliation,” Burns said. “I fully support this idea and think this trend in North Carolina should continue. It’s interesting the Democrat Party is anti-transparency, always advocating for less information at the polls, whether it’s presenting IDs or party indications. I’m baffled at the controversy of more, not less, information for voters.”

The current terms of Burns and all City Council members have been extended by one year to align with the revised election schedule. The change takes effect immediately, meaning the next municipal election in Monroe will be held in 2026, with the same staggered terms as before. 

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 at least 90 days prior to filing. 

The Senate passed the bill 28-17, and the House 62-47. 

House Bill 3 also affects the process to fill vacancies on the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, as well as several communities in eastern North Carolina.