Durham’s primary election is Tuesday, Oct. 7. Here’s what voters need to know
Election season is in full swing in Durham.
On Oct. 7, all registered Durham voters can vote for mayor and three City Council ward seats in the primary election.
The results will narrow the candidate pool to two people in each race for the Municipal Election on Nov. 4.
Unlike municipalities that have moved their local elections to even-numbered years, Durham holds its nonpartisan, municipal races in odd-numbered years, when no other local, state or federal election is happening.
Voter turnout for municipal elections is low compared to general and presidential elections. In 2023, just 16% of registered voters cast a ballot in Durham’s municipal election, compared to 72% in the 2024 general election.
This year, 18 candidates are running for four open seats on the council, including all the incumbents on the ballot: Mayor Leo Williams and council members Chelsea Cook, DeDreana Freeman and Mark-Anthony Middleton.
Important dates to remember
- Sept. 12: Final day to register to vote in the October primary
- Sept. 18-Oct. 4: Early voting for the October primary
- Sept. 23: Absentee ballot request deadline for the October primary
- Oct. 7: Durham’s Primary Election Day
- Oct. 10: Final day to register to vote in November election
- Oct. 16-Nov. 1: Early voting for November election
- Nov. 4: Election Day
How does Durham’s election work?
The City Council has seven members: the mayor, three at-large seats and three ward seats. Terms are staggered, with elections held for mayor and half the council every two years.
All registered voters in Durham city limits get to vote for the mayor and all three ward seats, regardless of where they live.
The ward system helps ensure representation from different areas of the city on the council, and candidates in ward races must live in the ward they are running to represent.
The at-large seats currently held by members Nate Baker, Javiera Caballero and Carl Rist will be up for election in 2027.
Remember: even though some candidates receive endorsements from political parties and may express their political stances, the Durham election is nonpartisan.
Who’s running for the October Primary?
A full list of all the Durham candidates can be found on The News and Observer’s website.
For mayor, there are five candidates: Anjanee Bell, Pablo Friedmann, Lloyd Phillips, Leonardo (Leo) Williams*, Rafiq Zaidi
For Ward 1, there are six candidates: Andrea Cazales, DeDreana Freeman*, Elijah King, Matt Kopac, Samaria McKenzie, Sheryl Smith
For Ward 2, there are three candidates: Shanetta Burris, Mark-Anthony Middleton*, Ashley Robbins
For Ward 3, there are four candidates: Chelsea Cook*, Durant Long, Terry McCann, Diana Medoff
*incumbent
Where can I vote?
If you plan to vote early in the October primary, you can vote between Sept. 18 and Oct. 4 at any of the five early voting precinct locations in Durham.
- North Regional Library, 221 Milton Road
- East Regional Library, 211 Lick Creek Lane
- South Regional Library, 4505 S. Alston Ave.
- Durham County Board of Elections, 3825 S. Roxboro St.
- Turner Law Building at NCCU, 640 Nelson St.
If you’re voting on Primary Election Day (Oct. 7), you must vote at your assigned polling site. Find it on the State Board of Elections website in the Election Day Polling Place Search.
Last, if you are voting by absentee ballot, you can request it from the State Board of Elections by completing a form. The form can be downloaded from Durham County’s Board of Elections website or through the state’s website. The form can be returned online, in person to the county board of elections, or by mail: Durham County Board of Elections, Attn: Absentee Ballots, PO Box 868, Durham, NC, 27702.
For Durham residents who live within Wake or Orange county limits, there is one early voting site in each county for the Durham election. To find it, check with the counties’ boards of election.
Remember: absentee ballots must be received by the Durham County Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. During the early voting period, absentee ballots can be dropped off at any early voting location.
How can I register to vote?
Durham residents must register to vote 30 days before an election. In this case, Sept. 12 is the last day to register for the primary. To register go to the Durham County Board of Elections Office at 3825 S. Roxboro St., Suite 101, or to any public library or DMV office in the county.
After registering, you’ll get a card from the Board of Elections with your precinct information.
During early voting, Durham residents can also register to vote at a polling site in-person. After registering, you can cast your ballot at that same polling place. This is called “same-day registration.”
You need a photo ID this election
Since 2023, all voters need a photo ID to vote in elections. There is a bit of a loophole, though; voters can still vote without a photo ID by completing an ID Exception Form.
Most voters can just show their driver’s license, but other photo IDs are accepted. This can be a state ID from the DMV, a driver’s license from another state, a passport or passport card, a voter ID card, a college or university ID, a state or local government employee photo ID, a military ID, a tribal enrollment card, or a government ID or public assistance program ID with a photo.
Got more questions?
Durham County has an app that provides easy access to voting and election information on your phone or tablet.
The DCo Votes app can help you find your precinct locations, sample ballots, election results and important dates.
You can also visit the N.C. Board of Elections website, ncsbe.gov, or Durham County’s Board of Elections website, dcovotes.gov, for more information.
This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM.