Just in time for voters to head to the polls, the Orange-Chatham chapter of the Sierra Club and the alt weekly publication INDYweek have unveiled their endorsements in the Chapel Hill mayoral and town council races.

The Sierra Club is backing a slate of incumbents, plus first-time candidate Michael Parker. The environmental advocacy group says Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt, and council members Donna Bell, Lee Storrow and Jim Ward “have voting records and stated priorities for smart growth, with moderate-density mixed use development that will support walkability and bike-ability, as well as transit improvements.” They also cite Parker’s work on the Planning Commission and support of light rail.

INDYweek took a slightly different tack, endorsing Kleinschmidt, Bell, Ward, Parker, and newcomer Jessica Anderson, but shying away from incumbent Lee Storrow in light of his recent DWI conviction.

Though his legal troubles may have cost him the influential INDY endorsement, Storrow issued a press release citing 32 current and former Orange County elected officials who publicly support his bid for a second term.

The Daily Tar Heel released endorsements on Thursday morning, supporting Mark Kleinschmidt for Mayor with Donna Bell, Michael Parker, Lee Storrow and Jim Ward for Town Council.

The early voting period for the 2015 municipal and school board elections kicks off Thursday and runs through October 31. You can find a full list of voting sites and hours here.

University and community leaders are hosting an event at the Chapel of the Cross on East Franklin Street at 5 o’clock Thursday to celebrate the start of early voting.

UNC Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Winston Crisp, Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and Carolina Student Body President Houston Summers will make brief remarks before casting their ballots. The public is invited to attend.

Related Stories
‹
CHALT Backs Challengers In Chapel Hill Races
The Chapel Hill Alliance for a Livable Town is backing a slate of challengers in the town council and mayoral races.
Creative ‘I Voted’ Stickers Branch out Beyond the Familiar Flag Design
Whether scenic or slightly sinister — angry werewolf, anyone? — the designs on the front of “I Voted” stickers are attracting a lot of attention this year.
Where to Vote Early in Orange, Durham, and Chatham Counties for the 2024 Elections
Early voting in North Carolina begins this week. Here is what to know to cast your vote in Orange, Durham, and Chatham Counties.
Electoral Battleground North Carolina Starts Early In-Person Voting While Recovering From Helene
Turnout for early in-person voting started strong Thursday in the presidential battleground of North Carolina, including the western region.
Orange County Changes 203 S. Greensboro Street as Early Voting Site, Citing Construction Timeline
An impending election combined with ongoing construction of Carrboro's new library is leading to change an early voting location.
Carrboro: Power 100 Honors, 203 Project for Early Voting, and Fourth of July
Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee calls in to speak with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Friday, June 28.
Runoff Election Day is Here. Here's What You Need to Know to Vote in Orange County.
Election Day voting for North Carolina's two outstanding primary elections and Orange County School Board's runoff will run through 7:30 p.m.
Early Voting in 2024: What Do You Need To Know in Orange, Durham, or Chatham County?
Early voting is about to begin for the 2024 primary! Here's what you need to know in order to vote in Orange, Durham, or Chatham County.
Judge Blocks Tighter Rule on Same-Day Registration in North Carolina Elections
The preliminary injunction tells elections workers they can't nullify ballots of those who register and immediately vote during early voting.
Early Voting is Ending for 2023 Local Elections; Here's Where to Go in Orange, Chatham and Durham Counties
Voters can head to the polls to vote early, with competitive local elections in Orange, Chatham, and Durham County municipal races this fall.
›