MOUNT OLIVE, NC — Residents of Mount Olive will have the opportunity to decide the future structure of their town government after the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution calling for a special election on the issue of four-year staggered terms for elected officials.
The resolution, adopted on June 1, 2026, follows the board’s approval of an ordinance amending the town charter to implement four-year staggered terms for the mayor and commissioners. Under North Carolina law, the change cannot take effect unless it is approved by voters.
The special election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
If approved, the change would alter how Mount Olive elects its mayor and commissioners beginning with the 2027 municipal election.
Under the proposed system, the mayoral candidate receiving the highest number of votes in 2027 would initially serve a two-year term. The three commissioner candidates receiving the highest vote totals would be elected to four-year terms, while the next two highest vote-getters would serve two-year terms.
Beginning in 2029, and every four years thereafter, voters would elect the mayor and two commissioners to four-year terms. In 2031, and every four years thereafter, voters would elect three commissioners to four-year terms.
Town officials say the staggered-term structure is designed to provide continuity in government by ensuring that not all elected positions are up for election at the same time.
The resolution requests that the Wayne County Board of Elections conduct the referendum and directs the town clerk to publish the required election notice in accordance with state law.
Voters will cast their ballots on the proposed charter amendment during the Nov. 3 special election.
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