CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Voters across the nation cast their ballots for candidates and measures on Tuesday in the 2023 election.
The Charlotte area featured 12 bond referendums on ballots that voters in various counties had the chance to approve or deny. From multi-billion dollar school projects to term limit changes for local officials to mixed drink sales, residents made their voices heard at the polls.
While these results may change by a few votes as absentee ballots are counted, the results should remain the same.
Mecklenburg County
CMS bond referendum - Passed
One of the hottest topics in the Charlotte political sphere concerned the $2.5 billion Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bond that passed by a wide margin.
The bond will be used to fund about 30 projects to repair, build, and provide updates to various schools around Mecklenburg County. There is also a gradual property tax hike to fund the projects.
CMS says the $2.5 billion will be distributed in chunks from the county-- and they’re estimating the projects will be completed within the next 5 to 7 years.
Some of those major projects include:
- $98 million for Albemarle Road Middle School to replace the onsite facility with 54 modern classrooms.
- $201 million for East Mecklenburg High School to replace the balance of campus building.
- $228 million to North Mecklenburg High School to fund the final phase, including the onsite replacement of the balance of campus.
Mecklenburg County officials say the bond will require property tax increases in 2025, 2028, and 2029 of 1 cent per $100 valuation.
The bond passed with 75,369 votes (63%) to 44,141 votes (37%), according to election results.
Town of Cornelius Charter Amendment Referendum - Rejected
Voters did not approve amending the Cornelius Town Charloter to change Cornelius Commissioners' term lengths from two-year terms to four-year staggered terms. Voters also voted down changing the Cornelius mayor term from two years to four years.
The referendum failed with 3,445 votes (61.53%) to 2,154 votes (38.4%).
Town of Huntersville Transportation Bonds Referendum - Passed
Voters passed the Huntersville transportation bond on Tuesday, authorizing $50 million plus interest to fund "constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, extending and improving streets and non-motorized paths..." This includes streets and roads that are part of the State highway system.
These funds will also go towards streetscape and pedestrian improvements, relocating utilities, improving intersections and other related projects.
The referendum passed with 7.184 votes (77.55%) to 2,262 votes (22.45%).
Town of Huntersville Parks and Recreation Bonds Referendum - Passed
Voters approved a referendum to authorize an $8 million bond plus interest to fund park and recreation facility and athletic field construction. This includes an expansion of the Huntersville recreation center, along with expanding existing parks and making improvements to the Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics facility and adding greenways and trails.
Voters approved the referendum with 7,523 votes (74.66%) to 2,553 votes (25.34%).
Town of Davidson Charter Amendment Referendum - Passed
Town of Davidson voters approved a Davidson Charter Amendment that would extend Davidson Board of Commissioner term lengths from two-year terms to four-year terms.
Voters approved the referendum by 1,329 votes (56.84%) to 1,057 (43.16%)
Ashe County
Town of Jefferson Mixed Beverage Election - Passed
Voters in the Town of Jefferson are celebrating the vote on this referendum with mixed beverages, which are now allowed to be sold in hotels, restaurants, private clubs, theaters and convention centers. The measure also included the "on-premises" and "off-premises" sale of malt beverages and unfortified wine in certain establishments. Cheers!
Voters approved the mixed beverage election by 92 votes (71.32%) to 37 votes (28.68%).
Avery County/Watauga County
Town of Beech Mountain Water System Bond Referendum - Passed
Voters in Avery and Watauga Counties approved a $15 million bond referendum to improve the Town of Beech Mountain water system. This includes reservoir and pumping station installation and construction and other improvements in the supply, treatment and distribution of water.
Voters in Avery County approved the referendum by 18 votes (85.71%) to 3 votes (14.29%).
Voters in Watauga County approved the referendum by 128 votes (84.21%) to 24 votes (15.79%).
Rowan County
City of Salisbury Charter Amendment Referendum - Passed
Salisbury voters approved an ordinance that amended the City Charter to allow the term limits for the Mayor and city council members from 2-year terms to staggered 4-year terms.
Voters in Salisbury approved the referendum by 1,781 votes (67.13%) to 872 votes (32.87%).
Union County
Town of Weddington Charter Amendment Referendum - Rejected
Voters in the Town of Weddington rejected an amendment to the Weddington Charter that would change the form of government from a Mayor-Council to a Council-Manager, thus keeping the form of government at the status quo.
Voters rejected the referendum by 1,971 votes (79.93%) to 495 votes (20.07%).