§ 163-290. Alternative methods of determining the results of municipal elections. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 163‑290.  Alternative methods of determiningthe results of municipal elections.

(a)        Each city, town, village, and special district in this Stateshall operate under one of the following alternative methods of nominatingcandidates for and determining the results of its elections:

(1)        The partisan primary and election method set out in G.S. 163‑291.

(2)        The nonpartisan primary and election method set out in G.S.163‑294.

(3)        The nonpartisan plurality method set out in G.S. 163‑292.

(4)        The nonpartisan election and runoff election method set outin G.S. 163‑293.

(b)        Each city whose charter provides for partisan municipalelections as of January 1, 1972, shall operate under the partisan primary andelection method until such time as its charter is amended to provide fornonpartisan elections. Each city, town, village, and special district whoseelections are by charter or general law nonpartisan may select the nonpartisanprimary and election method, the nonpartisan plurality method, or thenonpartisan election and runoff election method by resolution of the municipalgoverning board  adopted and filed with the State Board of Elections not laterthan 5:00 P.M. Monday, January 31, 1972, except that a city whose charterprovides for a nonpartisan primary as of January 1, 1972, may not select theplurality method unless its charter is so amended. If the municipal governingboard does not exercise its option to select another choice before that time,the municipality shall operate under the method specified in the followingtable:

Cities, towns and villages of

            less than 5,000                                           Plurality

Cities, towns and villages of

            5,000 or more                                            Electionand Runoff Election

Special districts                                                       Plurality

AfterJanuary 31, 1972, each city, town and village may change its method of electionfrom one to another of the methods set out in subsection (a) by act of theGeneral Assembly or in the manner provided by law for amendment of its charter.(1971, c. 835, s. 1.)