NC S38

Applies special redistricting rules following any federal decennial census (rather than limiting to 2000 census only) for cities that elect governing board members by district or require district residency for candidates.

Authorizes city councils to delay municipal elections if population imbalances require redistricting changes that cannot be completed before the filing period deadline, with rescheduled elections held in the second year following the census.

Requires cities to evaluate existing district boundaries after receiving census data and determine feasibility of adopting necessary changes and obtaining federal Voting Rights Act approval within required timeframes.

Allows cities to increase or decrease the number of district seats to comply with the Voting Rights Act through expedited procedures, with referendum requirements waived for the two years following a federal decennial census.

Excludes municipalities whose charters do not schedule elections in the year following a federal decennial census from these special redistricting rules.