Pink Hill Moves to Even-Year Elections, La Grange Rejects Proposal

Local governments in North Carolina weigh options for municipal election timing

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:19am

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As local governments in the region weigh whether municipal elections should be held in odd-numbered or even-numbered years, the towns of Pink Hill and La Grange have landed on different decisions. Pink Hill voted to move its municipal elections to even-numbered years, while La Grange rejected a similar proposal in a 2-4 vote.

Why it matters

The debate over election timing centers on factors like voter turnout, cost savings, and potential impacts on the local voting process. As more municipalities consider the change, it highlights the ongoing discussions around balancing convenience, participation, and fiscal responsibility in local elections.

The details

In La Grange, Council members Reid Rouse and Cindy Motsko voted in favor of moving municipal elections to even-numbered years, citing cost savings and higher voter turnout. However, Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Gladney and council members Albert Gray, Roger Miles and Noah Clark voted against the proposal, expressing concerns about how the change could affect the local voting process and potential impacts on minority voting. Meanwhile, Pink Hill viewed the decision as a practical one, with Commissioner Michael Whitfield stating that the town will save money by sharing election costs and see improved voter turnout.

  • In 2022, La Grange had a voter turnout of 837.
  • In 2023, La Grange had a voter turnout of 231.
  • In 2024, La Grange had a voter turnout of 1,416.
  • In 2025, La Grange had a voter turnout of 393.
  • Jones County moved to even-year elections several years ago.

The players

Reid Rouse

La Grange Council member who voted in favor of moving municipal elections to even-numbered years.

Cindy Motsko

La Grange Council member who voted in favor of moving municipal elections to even-numbered years.

Larry Gladney

La Grange Mayor Pro-Tem who voted against moving municipal elections to even-numbered years.

Michael Whitfield

Pink Hill Commissioner who stated the town viewed the decision to move to even-year elections as a practical one.

Shawn Condon

La Grange Town Manager who outlined the main reasons expressed in favor and against moving municipal elections to even-numbered years.

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What they’re saying

“When I was running for election, I had stated that I liked local separate from presidential even years. But once I saw the numbers of how we could save the community money by partnering with the even year elections and spreading the cost out, I voted for even years along with Reid Rouse at the March Town Council Special Meeting. My vote was based on saving money for the town.”

— Cindy Motsko, La Grange Council member

“It seems to be a rare case where everyone wins. The town will save money by sharing the fixed cost of the elections with the county and state. Voter turnout will improve for our town's elections. And it's more convenient for the voters.”

— Michael Whitfield, Pink Hill Commissioner

What’s next

The North Carolina General Assembly will need to amend the La Grange town charter if the town decides to move forward with holding municipal elections in even-numbered years.

The takeaway

The debate over election timing in La Grange and Pink Hill highlights the ongoing discussions around balancing convenience, participation, and fiscal responsibility in local elections. As more municipalities consider the change, it will be important to carefully weigh the potential impacts on voter turnout, cost savings, and the local voting process.