WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Wayne County voters approved three alcohol-related referendums during Tuesday’s November 3 midterm election, while voters in the Town of Mount Olive rejected a proposed charter amendment that would have changed the terms of office for the mayor and town commissioners.
According to unofficial election night results, all three countywide alcohol referendums received majority support, with the mixed beverage proposal receiving the highest approval percentage.
Meanwhile, Mount Olive voters rejected a proposal that would have transitioned the town’s elected officials to staggered four-year terms.
Mount Olive Voters Reject Proposed Changes to Mayor and Commissioner Terms
Voters in the Town of Mount Olive were asked to consider a charter amendment that would have changed the length and scheduling of terms for the mayor and town commissioners beginning with the 2027 municipal election.
Under the proposal, the candidate elected mayor in 2027 would have initially served a two-year term, with four-year mayoral terms beginning in 2029.
The five town commissioner seats would also have transitioned to staggered four-year terms.
During the 2027 election, the three commissioner candidates receiving the highest number of votes would have served four-year terms, while the two candidates receiving the next highest number of votes would have served two-year terms.
Subsequent elections in 2029 and 2031 would have completed the transition to staggered four-year terms.
However, Mount Olive voters rejected the proposal.
Unofficial election night results showed 620 voters, or 62.69%, voting against the charter amendment, while 369 voters, or 37.31%, supported it.
With the referendum failing, the town’s existing election schedule and terms of office will remain unchanged.
Wayne County Voters Approve Malt Beverage Sales Referendum
Wayne County voters also considered a referendum addressing the sale of malt beverages.
The proposal asked voters whether they supported permitting on-premises and off-premises sales of malt beverages in qualifying establishments.
According to unofficial results, 19,941 voters, or 55.51%, voted in favor of the referendum.
Another 15,985 voters, representing 44.49%, voted against it.
The measure received 3,956 more votes in favor than against, giving it majority support among Wayne County voters.
Unfortified Wine Sales Referendum Passes
A second countywide referendum addressed the sale of unfortified wine, including on-premises and off-premises sales.
The proposal received majority support from Wayne County voters.
Unofficial results showed 19,884 votes in favor, representing 55.88%, compared to 15,700 votes against, or 44.12%.
The referendum passed by a margin of 4,184 votes.
Mixed Beverage Referendum Receives Strongest Support
Of the three alcohol-related referendums, the mixed beverage proposal received the highest percentage of support from Wayne County voters.
The referendum asked voters whether they favored allowing the sale of mixed beverages in qualifying hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theaters, and convention centers, along with on-premises and off-premises sales of malt beverages and unfortified wine in qualified establishments.
According to unofficial election night results, 22,451 voters, or 62.58%, supported the measure, while 13,427 voters, representing 37.42%, opposed it.
The proposal passed by a margin of 9,024 votes.
The approval of the three alcohol-related referendums could create additional opportunities for qualifying businesses throughout Wayne County, subject to applicable state regulations and licensing requirements.
Businesses seeking to sell alcoholic beverages would still be required to obtain the appropriate permits and comply with North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control regulations.
2026 Wayne County Local Referendum Results
Unofficial election night totals
| Referendum | For / Yes | Against / No | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Olive Charter Amendment | 369 (37.31%) | 620 (62.69%) | Failed |
| Malt Beverage Election | 19,941 (55.51%) | 15,985 (44.49%) | Passed |
| Unfortified Wine Election | 19,884 (55.88%) | 15,700 (44.12%) | Passed |
| Mixed Beverage Election | 22,451 (62.58%) | 13,427 (37.42%) | Passed |
What the Results Mean for Wayne County
The unofficial results reflect two different decisions by local voters.
In Mount Olive, voters chose to maintain the town’s existing election structure rather than transition to longer, staggered terms for the mayor and commissioners.
Across Wayne County, voters supported expanding the types of alcoholic beverage sales permitted in qualifying establishments.
The mixed beverage referendum received the strongest approval, with more than six out of every ten voters supporting the proposal.
The approval of all three alcohol-related referendums could have implications for restaurants, hospitality businesses, and other qualifying establishments throughout the county.
Wayne County recorded a voter turnout of 50.04%, with 38,788 ballots cast out of 77,521 registered voters.
All election night results remain unofficial until election officials complete the canvassing and certification process.
The Wayne County Board of Elections is scheduled to conduct its official canvass on Friday, November 13, 2026.
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