City officials and residents expressed outrage over legislation that could fundamentally alter local elections after 60 years
MONROE, N.C. — Monroe leaders say they were blindsided by an addition to a bill making its way through the North Carolina General Assembly that could have a profound impact on local elections.
The controversy centers on House Bill 3, originally designed to address election timing in Simpson, North Carolina, but expanded this month to include Monroe.
“We are shocked and appalled at it because of the lack of transparency,” Monroe City Council member Surluta Anthony said, describing the situation as backdoor politics.
The bill would convert Monroe’s elections from nonpartisan to partisan, requiring candidates to declare party affiliation for the first time in more than six decades. The change would also affect unaffiliated voters.
“It tampered on people’s freedom and the right to vote,” Anthony said. “It’s an attempt to control the vote and to suppress the vote.”
The timing has raised particular concerns among residents, as the changes would take effect immediately if the bill passes.
Jen Sanders, a Monroe resident, noted that unaffiliated voters represent the largest voting bloc in the city.
“We have more unaffiliated voters in Monroe than we do Democrat or Republican,” she said.
Robert Yanacsek criticized the lack of public input on the bill, saying he feels “slapped in the face” by the whole ordeal.
Supporters of the current system argue the change represents more than a procedural shift. They say it would fundamentally alter how city government operates, moving from a system that encourages broad participation regardless of party affiliation to one that could limit voter choice.
“That’s what the Constitution has given us, the ability to voice your opinion in elections, and now you’re telling 21,000 people that their voice doesn’t count, that their vote doesn’t matter,” Sanders said.
A group of Monroe residents plans to travel to Raleigh next week to voice their opposition to House Bill 3 to state lawmakers.
The bill remains under consideration in the General Assembly.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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