Bill proposes shifting Catawba County city elections to even-numbered years

A bill introduced by State Rep. Mitchell S. Setzer seeks to synchronize municipal elections in Catawba County with general election dates and clarify election procedures in those cities, the North Carolina State House reports.

Filed as HB 1117 on April 29 in the 2025 regular session, the bill uses the short title: ‘Even-Year Municipal Elections/Catawba Co.’

Here is our summary, based on the original bill text, to help clarify its details.

This proposal would move regular elections for all Catawba County cities and towns to even-numbered years, placing them in November alongside general elections. The measure updates municipal charters for Brookford, Catawba, Claremont, Conover, Hickory, Long View, Maiden and Newton to specify even-year schedules, confirm elections as nonpartisan under state law, and, where relevant, define four-year or staggered mayor and council terms. Under the bill, the 2027 municipal elections in these locales would be canceled, with current officeholders extending their terms by a year to maintain staggered cycles, and even-year elections restarting in 2028. The changes take effect upon enactment and apply to any subsequent elections.

Setzer, one of two sponsors, has introduced more bills than any other legislator during the 2025 regular session, with 46 proposals.

North Carolina follows a multi-step legislative process. A bill begins with a lawmaker submitting it; it then proceeds to a committee. Both legislative chambers must read the bill three times. If either chamber makes amendments, both must consent to the final version. Once passed by both chambers, the governor has 10 days to take action, or 30 days if the legislature isn’t in session; the bill may be signed, vetoed, or become law without a signature.

Additional information on current bills and legislative actions is available here.

Setzer earned a BA from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1987.

Setzer, a Republican, joined the North Carolina State House in 1999, representing the 89th House district after succeeding former state representative Robert Brawley.