Tomorrow marks the final day for early voting across Mecklenburg County before voters decide several key municipal races and a high-stakes transportation referendum. On November 4, residents will cast ballots for local mayors, city and town councils, school boards, and a proposed 1-cent sales tax increase projected to raise $19.4 billion over the next 30 years.
If approved, the measure would raise Mecklenburg County’s sales tax from 7.25% to 8.25%, with funds split among major transportation initiatives: 40% for road improvements, 40% for rail transit projects, and 20% for bus and micro-transit services. Proponents say the plan could ease traffic congestion, reduce commute times, and create jobs. Opponents counter that it would place an unnecessary burden on taxpayers and question whether promised infrastructure projects will materialize.
The ballot language asks voters to approve “one percent (1%) local sales and use taxes, in addition to the current local sales and use taxes, to be used only for roadway systems and public transportation systems.”
Early voting sites remain open through 3 pm Saturday, November 1, at multiple locations across the county — including Hal Marshall Annex in uptown, Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library on Beatties Ford Road, Cornelius Town Hall, Eastway Regional Recreation Center, and South County Regional Library in south Charlotte. Voters can find the full list of sites and schedules through the state’s Early Voting Site Search.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, with polls open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. For more information on the upcoming election, sample ballots, and polling locations and times, check out NC’s state board of elections site here.
The outcome could shape Charlotte’s transportation future for decades, determining whether the region invests billions to expand rail, road, and bus networks — or holds off amid mounting concerns about affordability and accountability.
