CARTERET COUNTY, NC (December 17, 2025) – The Carteret County Board of Elections will conduct a new election for the office of Morehead City mayor on March 3, 2026, following a unanimous order issued Wednesday by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The new contest will run concurrently with the statewide primary election.
The state board’s order concludes a review of the November 2025 Morehead City mayor election, which was decided by a single vote. The decision follows a formal protest concerning voter eligibility and the application of voter identification requirements at the polls.
Caitlin Sabadish, director of the Carteret County Board of Elections, said her office is working in close coordination with state officials to prepare for the upcoming election in accordance with state law.
"Election integrity is our highest priority, and we are committed to making sure every election is accurate, transparent, and follows the standards set by the state board," Sabadish said. "While our staff works diligently to serve the voters of Carteret County, this new election provides a necessary path forward to ensure complete public confidence in the final results for Morehead City."
Sabadish noted that the board remains focused on maintaining a process that is fair, impartial, and available to all voters.
"We will continue to build and improve on precinct official training following guidance from the State Board of Elections," Sabadish said. "Our goal is to make sure the voting process runs smoothly for every citizen who enters the polling place."
Additional information regarding early voting schedules, absentee ballot requests, and polling locations will be shared as it becomes available. Voters with questions may contact the Carteret County Board of Elections at (252) 728-8460 or by email at boemail@carteretcountync.gov.
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