Overview

The Governor has important roles in the appointment process, both for vacancies as well as for staffing key election offices.

Election Related Duties

The key duties of the Governor are:

1. Appointing members of the State Board of Elections. “About”
2. Appointing Chairs of County Boards of Election. “County Boards of Elections”
3. Filling vacancies in various offices. See, e.g., N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-8, 163-13.
4. Issuing commissions to certified winners of elections for the members of the United States House of Representatives, justices, judges, and District Attorneys. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-182.16.
5. Approving the use of outside counsel in election litigation if recommended by the Attorney General. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-25 (2023).

Selection and Vacancy Information

• Elected: The Governor is elected in a statewide election every four years. N.C. Const. Art. III § 2(1).
• Tiebreaking:** If more than 5,000 votes were cast in the election then the tie is broken by a runoff. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163‑182.8(1). If there were fewer than 5,000 votes cast then the tie is decided randomly by the State Board of Elections. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163‑182.8(2).
• Term of Office: The term of office is four years and Governors are limited to two consecutive terms. N.C. Const. Art. III § 2(2).
• Next Election/Appointment: The next election will be held on November 5, 2024. N.C. Const. Art. III § 2(1).
• Qualifications: A candidate for Governor must be at least 30 years of age, a United States citizen for at least five years, and a resident of North Carolina for the two years immediately prior to the election. N.C. Const. Art. III § 2(2).
• Vacancy: **The Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor when there is a vacancy. N.C. Const. Art. III § 3.