By Marcus Bass
Advance Carolina
North Carolina joined New York and Virginia in making national headlines this month with historic municipal election results that should serve as a wake-up call to anyone who believes in the myth of “off-year” elections. What we witnessed across our state wasn’t just a collection of local races — it was a demonstration of democracy’s vitality at the grassroots level and a potential preview of what’s to come in 2026.
Voters showed up in numbers that shattered expectations for municipal elections, and the message is clear: when people understand the power they hold in local elections, they vote. During this election cycle, we continued to get closer to the people. Our organization reached more than 40,000 voters across the state, talking with them about the power they have in local elections. What we found was a deep hunger for meaningful participation in democracy.
What makes these results truly historic is who won. North Carolina has elected the youngest and most diverse class of municipal officials in our state’s history. From college towns like Greensboro and Durham to smaller communities such as Enfield and Brunswick County, dozens of young candidates earned voters’ respect and trust, defeating traditional incumbents and established challengers.
This wasn’t about name recognition or political machinery. These candidates won because voters were hungry for change, and they could see that change reflected in a new generation of leadership. We’ve seen races decided by fewer than five votes per precinct. Races where decisions will be made about taxes, roads, policing, education and public safety will be made by officials voters will see in their local stores, churches and community events.
Many of the winners succeeded with limited resources, choosing authenticity over expensive campaign advertising. They opted for the streets and social media rather than flashy campaign swag, commercials and television advertisements. They knocked on doors. They had real conversations. They built trust one voter at a time.
This grassroots approach didn’t just work — it outperformed traditional, well-funded campaigns. Voters value genuine connection and commitment to building community over polished messaging and big budgets. When our issues are framed by local people addressing local concerns — not national campaigns and party talking points — we exceed expectations.
According to recent data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections, voter turnout in this year’s municipal election increased over prior municipal elections. There was also a strong showing in early voting and absentee ballots, further supporting people’s desire to be a part of the solutions for our communities. Given the lack of resources and attention on odd-year elections, this year’s turnout is a powerful indicator of opportunity.
For example, in Guilford County — one of our core organizing hubs — voter turnout reached 21.26%, a significant increase from the 2023 municipal election, which saw 17.70% turnout. That’s a 20% jump in turnout, demonstrating that when voters understand what’s at stake in local elections and see candidates who represent real change, they show up.
As we look ahead to the 2026 midterms, this surge in municipal voter turnout could reshape North Carolina’s political landscape.
The voters who turned out for these local races have proven they will show up when they believe their vote matters, that there are no off years, and that change is possible when people organize, engage, and vote.
The question now is whether we can sustain this energy and expand it. Traditional voting patterns may be evolving. As white conservative voters become increasingly dissatisfied with corporate influence in the Republican Party, the use of race as a means to control a largely rural working-class base may be losing its effectiveness.
Real economic concerns — kitchen-table issues that affect most families and communities — are cutting through old political divisions. Decisions about federal funding for nutrition programs, healthcare and agricultural support affect North Carolina families daily, and voters will remember who stood with them when it mattered.
The 2026 midterms will test whether this municipal election surge was a one-time phenomenon or the beginning of lasting political transformation in North Carolina.
I believe it’s the latter. The voters have spoken, and they’ve made it clear: there are no off years anymore.
