NC H116

Converts school board elections from nonpartisan to partisan for Columbus County, Gaston County, and Johnston County, with candidates nominated at the same time and manner as other county officers

Columbus County Board of Education will consist of five members elected from residency districts to staggered four-year terms, with voters countywide (excluding Whiteville City School Administrative Unit) electing each seat

Gaston County Board of Education will maintain nine members with two at-large seats and seven residency district seats based on townships (Cherryville, Crowders Mountain, Dallas, Gastonia with two seats, Riverbend, and Southpoint)

Vacancies on all three boards will be filled in accordance with G.S. 115C-37.1, with successors required to come from the same residency district as the vacating member

Effective the first Monday in December 2026, with elections beginning in 2026; terms of members elected in 2024 are not affected