Census Data Lag Leads To Delays In Lexington's 2021 Elections

This fall's elections in about three dozen North Carolina municipalities are being put on hold under a newly passed law — the result of Census data delays. And that has major implications for Lexington. 

Lexington City Schools is one of three public systems in Davidson County. Under Senate Bill 722, board members whose terms were up in December will be extended for a year and the seats will become part of the November 2022 election.

Lexington has only had an elected board since 2017. Prior to that, the city council appointed its members. 

The county's two other school systems, Davidson County Schools and Thomasville City Schools, are not affected by the new law.

The election for the mayor and four city council positions will also be postponed. County elections officials say the vote for those seats will be held in March of 2022.

The measure emerged after it became clear towns and cities where certain residents vote in district-specific races could not redraw district boundaries in time for usual municipal election dates. That's because the 2020 census information necessary for redistricting won't be available until late summer or early fall.