Webster voters ended one of the most competitive elections in the town’s history by choosing a mix of new and familiar names to lead them through coming years of growth, traffic and tax debates. Five candidates sought three seats, reflecting renewed interest in local government after years of uncontested races.

Forest Hills residents faced a defining choice this election, selecting leaders who will decide how the small Jackson County village balances development pressure, rising costs and the preservation of its valley character.

Clyde voters confronted familiar questions this election — how to rebuild after disaster, how to manage growth without losing the town’s identity and how to plan for a future defined by both opportunity and risk. Four candidates competed for two seats on the Board of Aldermen, offering different ideas but sharing a commitment to long-term resilience.

Sylva voters faced a crowded ballot and a divided community, weighing seven candidates for three council seats amid ongoing cultural battles and financial strain.

Franklin will have a new mayor and two new council members.

Bryson City voters participated in only one election this cycle, tasked with choosing two out of three candidates for alderman.

To the Editor:

We are halfway through the 2025 municipal elections for Waynesville, Canton and Clyde, which will significantly influence the leadership of these towns. Unfortunately, low voter turnout continues to threaten these municipal elections.

In-person early voting ends Saturday, Nov. 1, but voters will have one last opportunity to cast their ballots on Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 4.

Same-day registration is only available during the early voting period. Voters cannot register to vote on Election Day. 

In-person early voting continues through Saturday, Nov. 1. Voters can vote in-person at their county board of elections and are able to register to vote the same day if necessary. 

Hours of operation can vary among polling places. Voters can find their polling place and the operating hours by checking voter registration at vt.ncsbe.gov. 

Waynesville isn’t just another mountain town still recovering from Hurricane Helene — it’s Haywood County’s economic, cultural and governmental hub. Nearly everything that happens in the largest municipality in the state’s western seven counties has ripple effects beyond its borders, from disaster recovery and infrastructure planning to affordable housing and fiscal stability.