Thinking about stepping into local leadership? Whether you’re passionate about affordable housing, transportation, youth programs, or neighborhood development, running for office in Durham County is one way to make a real difference. Here’s what residents need to know about getting your name on the ballot in 2025.
🗳 Which Offices Are Up for Election?
City of Durham
- Mayor (2-year term) [Incumbent: Leonardo Williams]
- City Council Members for Wards I, II, and III (4-year terms) [Incumbents: DeDreana Freeman, Mark-Anthony Middleton, Chelsea Cook]
Town of Chapel Hill
- Mayor (2-year term) [Incumbent: Jessica Anderson]
- Town Council – 4 seats (4-year terms)
Town of Cary
- Town Council At-Large (4-year term)
- Town Council District A (4-year term)
Town of Morrisville
- Mayor (4-year term) [Incumbent: T.J. Cawley]
- Town Council Districts 2 and 4 (4-year terms) [Incumbents: Donna L. Fender and Vicki Scroggins-Johnson]
These positions influence local policies, budgets, and community initiatives.
📅 Key Dates: Mark Your Calendar
- Candidate Filing Period:
- Opens: Monday, July 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
- Closes: Friday, July 18, 2025, at 12 p.m.
- Withdrawal Deadline (for refund): Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by 5 p.m.
- Election Day:
- City of Durham: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
- Chapel Hill, Cary, and Morrisville: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
✅ Basic Requirements
To file for office, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a registered voter in the municipality or district you’re seeking to represent
- Reside in the district (if applicable) you’re filing to represent
💰 Filing Fees
Filing fees vary by office. For example:
- City of Durham Mayor: $480.58
- City of Durham City Council (Wards I, II, III): $407.27
- Town of Chapel Hill Mayor: $50.00
- Town of Chapel Hill Town Council: $25.00
- Town of Cary Council Seats: $114.00
- Town of Morrisville Mayor: $50.00
- Town of Morrisville Council Seats: $15.00
Fees can be paid by check or money order made out to Durham County Government. Fees under $50 may be paid in cash.
✍️ How to File
You can file in person or by mail:
- In-person: Staff will guide you through the candidacy form and explain campaign finance basics.
- By mail: Forms must be fully completed and notarized before submission.
Filing takes place at:
Durham County Board of Elections
3825 S. Roxboro St., Ste. 101
Durham, NC 27713
📄 Campaign Finance Rules
Once you file – or publicly announce your candidacy, receive donations, or spend money – you have 10 days to submit your campaign finance paperwork. The 10-day clock usually starts at filing but can begin earlier.
🗳️ Voting Information
- Early Voting:
- City of Durham: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, to Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
- Chapel Hill, Cary, and Morrisville: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, to Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
- Absentee Voting:
- City of Durham: Begins Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
- Chapel Hill, Cary, and Morrisville: Begins Friday, Oct. 3, 2025
- Voter Registration Deadlines:
- City of Durham: Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, by 5 p.m.
- Chapel Hill, Cary, and Morrisville: Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, by 5 p.m.
🗓️ Early Voting in Durham: When and Where
For City of Durham offices, early voting is proposed to run from Thursday, Sept. 18 through Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, with five locations open every day of the period:
📍 Early Voting Locations:
- Durham County Board of Elections
3825 S. Roxboro St., Ste. 101 - South Regional Library
4505 S. Alston Ave. - East Regional Library
211 Lick Creek Lane - North Regional Library
221 Milton Rd. - NCCU – Turner Law Building
640 Nelson St.
🕘 Daily Hours:
- Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (except Oct. 4, open until 3 p.m.)
- Sundays: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
All locations are ADA compliant and have dedicated voter parking. This schedule ensures accessible weekday, evening, and weekend options for voters across the city.
🗣️ Want to give feedback on this plan? Public comments are open through June 10, 2025, and can be submitted at: Submit Comment on Early Voting Plan
💡 Need Help?
The Durham County Board of Elections is your go-to source:
- Website: dcovotes.dconc.gov
- Phone: 919-560-0700
- Email: elections@dconc.gov
- Office: 3825 S. Roxboro St., Ste. 101
Pro Tip for First-Time Candidates: Attend a city or town council meeting (or watch one online) to get a feel for the issues and procedures. Talk to current or former officials, and don’t underestimate the value of a good campaign treasurer!
Spread the word by sharing this Southpoint Access newsletter with friends and neighbors. Got a tip for your neighborhood news guy? Send email to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news. Call 919-695-9813, ext. 800.
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