H998 - Partisan Elections in Haywood County

• Converts municipal elections in four Haywood County towns (Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville) from nonpartisan to partisan elections, effective for primaries and elections held on or after January 1, 2023

• Changes Haywood County Board of Education elections from nonpartisan to partisan elections beginning in 2024, with members residing in districts but elected county-wide

• Board of Education candidates must file notice of candidacy, pay a $10 filing fee, and certify residency in their election district; requires reopening of filing if insufficient candidates file for a district

• Does not affect current terms of Board of Education members elected in 2020 or 2022, who continue serving until successors are elected and qualified

• Applies G.S. 115C-37.1 procedures to Haywood County for filling Board of Education vacancies, with appointments made by remaining board members lasting only until the next general election