The city council is the legislative and policy-making body for Durham and is the final authority on most matters relating to the city. The council is responsible for establishing general policies for the city; appointing the city manager, city attorney, city clerk and members of various boards and commissions; enacting ordinances, resolutions and orders, reviewing the annual budget, and authorizing contracts on the city's behalf.

The Durham mayor serves a two-year term and earns $15,669 a year. The mayor serves as the presiding officer of the City Council, votes on all matters and appoints individuals to citizen boards, committees and commissions.

Like all City Council members, the District A representative earns $10,000 annual for the two-year term unless chosen mayor pro tem, a post that pays $12,000. District A sits in the center of North Raleigh.

At-large council members earn $10,000 annually for the two-year terms unless the mayor chooses them for the mayor pro-tem"s job, which pays $12,000. The two at-large seats cover the whole city rather than one of five geographic districts.

Raleigh"s mayor is a part-time job that pays $15,000 annually during a two-year term. A voting member of the City Council, the mayor sets its agenda and tone.

Answers to frequently asked elections questions

Voters in Raleigh and Cary will pick new council members to lead their cities. In Durham, residents will vote for their favorites in the city council and mayor primary, with their final choices to be made in November. In Wake County, four of nine seats are up for grabs on the Board of Education. Here are the highlights of those local races.