Several Piedmont municipalities to elect mayors Tuesday

In Rural Hall, two current councilmembers, Terry Bennett and Susan Gordon, are seeking the mayor’s seat after incumbent Tim Flinchum opted not to run for re-election. 

The election comes during a tumultuous year for the small town — a state audit released in February found staffers violated laws governing public records and open meetings. 

Residents in Lexington will decide whether to give incumbent Mayor Jason Hayes another term or side with his challenger Burr Sullivan. 

Hayes was sworn in in July of last year, taking over for Newell Clark, who served as mayor for 10 years. 

In Burlington, voters will choose between activist Beth Kennett and incumbent Jim Butler. Butler rose to the mayor’s seat in 2021, after serving 14 years on the city council. 

Polls will close Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.