Local Candidates Step Forward

Local election season officially gets underway today. Candidates are able to file for election in both Wake and Durham.

The most crowded race is expected to be for Mayor of Raleigh. Incumbent Charles Meeker has announced he will not seek re-election. That has opened up the field to a number of candidates.

Durham mayor Bill Bell says he will seek re-election. No challenger has yet emerged.

The most contentious race will likely again be for the five seats on the Wake County School Board. In the 2009 election, control of the board changed, setting off two years of contentious board meetings and protests over changes to the student assignment policy. Control is again up for grabs, with the key race being Board Chair Ron Margiotta's seat in southwestern Wake County.

Election Day for the School Board is October 11.