During this local election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro’s news team spoke with candidates for races representing Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Pittsboro. Each were presented the same set of questions covering their decisions to run for elected office, goals for their towns and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their recordings (lightly edited for clarity and to fit within a five-minute limit) each aired on 97.9 The Hill before early voting began, and are available below to inform voters throughout the election cycle.
Here is how to navigate to each of the local municipal elections 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro are covering this fall. To hear from a candidate, look for their names and press the “play” button on the audio player underneath their photo.
Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill Mayoral and Town Council Races
A recent poll of Chapel Hill voters indicated this year’s races for mayor and town council have thin margins. With three of the four council seats on the ballot being open, and a change in the mayorship for the first time in eight years, there’s likely to be some major changes coming for the town’s elected body.
Photo via Town of Carrboro.
Carrboro Mayoral and Town Council Races
Carrboro is similarly seeing a change at mayor after Damon Seils led for one term, while two town council members are seeing their terms end without seeking re-election. That leads to change coming for the seven-person elected body that helps lead the town.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ Board of Education Race
The 2023 race for four seats available on the CHCCS Board of Education has one of the deepest fields in recent memory. Three out of four sitting board members are running for reelection, while several people who initially filed have either pulled their names or dropped out of the race, and the remaining candidates are vying for a spot on the board.
Hillsborough Mayoral and Board of Commissioners Race
There are three seats available in this year’s Hillsborough Board of Commissioners race. Two sitting members of the board are running for re-election, while two first-time candidates are looking to earn the seat left open by Mark Bell — who is running for the open mayor’s role.
Photo via the Town of Pittsboro.
Pittsboro Mayoral and Board of Commissioners Race
This is the first election cycle Chapelboro is striving to consistently cover the Pittsboro municipal elections. It comes as the town sees three seats available on its council and a change in leadership as Mayor Cindy Perry is stepping down. The town faces several challenges and opportunities, including adjusting to a boom of growth from the nearby Chatham Park development, a new partnership with Sanford for utilities, and a burgeoning downtown business scene.
Early voting for the 2023 municipal elections is underway and will run through Saturday, November 4, with residents then having Election Day on Tuesday, November 7 as their final opportunity to cast their votes.
For a full list of races Chapelboro is covering this 2023 local election cycle, click here. Additional coverage throughout election season, including on other groups’ endorsements, can be found on the Chapelboro Local Elections page.
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