NC S266

Standardizes the process for filling vacancies in county commissioner, sheriff, register of deeds, county board of education, and city council positions across North Carolina by removing county-specific provisions and applying uniform rules statewide.

Requires appointing authorities to consult with county executive committees of the relevant political party before filling vacancies, and must appoint one of the persons recommended if the party provides three or more eligible nominations within 30 days of the vacancy.

Establishes eligibility requirements based on whether the vacating officeholder was elected as a political party nominee (successor must have been eligible to file as that party's candidate at the most recent election) or was non-partisan (successor must currently be eligible for election).

Modifies vacancy terms: for county commissioners and sheriffs, appointments fill the unexpired term; for city council positions, elections are held at the next regularly scheduled election if more than 90 days after the vacancy occurs, otherwise appointments fill the remainder of the term.

Repeals the previous list of specific counties subject to these vacancy provisions and Section 12 of Chapter 763 of the 1981 Session Laws, making the standardized process applicable statewide; effective upon passage for vacancies occurring after enactment.