2023 Elizabeth City Voter Guide: Meet the candidates & get info on voting
What’s new about Voter ID in NC?
Learn about the new Voter ID requirement in North Carolina and get ready to vote
About the 2023 Elizabeth City Election
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, OCT. 10
This year’s Election Day for Elizabeth City Mayor & City Council will be on Tuesday, October 10. Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Find your Election Day polling place.
Meet the Elizabeth City candidates further down on this page. And see the Voting Tools at the bottom of this page to find important voting information.
Questions about Elizabeth City’s election? Contact the Pasquotank County Board of Elections at 252-335-1739.
What’s new about Voter ID in NC?
Learn about the new Voter ID requirement in North Carolina and get ready to vote
WHAT DOES THE CITY COUNCIL DO?
The Mayor and the other members of the City Council make a wide range of decisions affecting your life. The City Council sets policies and priorities, and oversees the many functions of local government, including:
• The Police & Fire Departments
• Economic & Community Development
• Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
• Appointments to Boards & Committees
• Water & Waste Disposal
• Tax Rates & the City Budget
• Affordable Housing
• Streets, Sidewalks & Road Repair
• City Govt. Employee Wages & Benefits
• Recreation, Parks & Arts Programs
Elizabeth City City Council members are elected in nonpartisan races. The Mayor is elected citywide, while the other members of the City Council are elected from wards. Click here to find out which ward you live in.
All candidates running for Elizabeth City Mayor or City Council were invited to complete a brief profile to inform voters about their background, priorities and views on important issues for the community. The candidates’ responses can be seen below.
Candidates for Elizabeth City Mayor
ALL Elizabeth City voters can choose one candidate in this race
Bennie Murphy
candidate for Mayor
Background: Military (discipline), Career Law Enforcement (respect for the law, management of crime), Police Chief twice (leadership & team Building), Resident Manager for Storage Facility (Hired, managed money, supervised workers)
Why are you running for this office? I have been involved in public service all my life. My background brings the team building humility and management experience our City government needs.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Crime reduction & prevention, justice, financial solvency and exceptionalism, code enforcement, community team building & transparency in government.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: Management of housing standards & encouraging investment & participation in home ownership programs. Home ownership should be a reachable goal for all of our citizens and we can marry the programs with the community in an all-inclusive way.
Job opportunities: The Mayor is in a unique position to encourage investment in our community through a good working relationship with Economic development assets to grow new & existing businesses and education assets to encourage entrepreneurship. We will have a more stream lined, user-friendly process.
Police accountability: This major issue requires experience, people skills and team building all of which my background uniquely brings to the table. Transparency and relationship for and with the community.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Our Boards provide a unique opportunity to introduce and involve students. We will continue & expand internship opportunities within government and the community and encourage formal & informal mentorship.
Website: Reach me through my email, bekkane1948@gmail.com
Kirk Rivers
candidate for Mayor
Background: 10 years City Councilor, Mayor 2 years
Why are you running for this office? Engaging all citizens, conducting professional meetings. Experience matters!
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Bringing the Audits up to Date and remove City off of LGC Unit Assistance List, this will set the course for a financially stable city, improve infrastructure and continue bringing unity.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: We have started Home Buying Classes and teaching Homeownership
Job opportunities: We work hard to bring industry to our area but we work with our existing businesses to increase their business.
Police accountability: Training is the key.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Being accessible and at their events. I eat lunch at their cafeteria once a week.
Website: Kirk Rivers for Mayor on Facebook
Christina Williams
candidate for Mayor
Background: I have managerial and administrative experience of more than 20 years, owning several businesses that have prospered. I founded the Pasquotank Political Action Committee. I am a Parliamentarian, proficient in Robert’s Rules of Order, which I use to facilitate smooth and productive meetings.
Why are you running for this office? Elizabeth City needs a Mayor who is serious about improving the daily lives of all citizens and bringing more opportunity for jobs and housing. I get along well with most people and have strong social skills to communicate effectively with everyone. I will be conservative with our money. I listen.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: I will ensure our finances will be in order and seek grant assistance to improve the city. We will hire people who are qualified and stop double paying for services. I want us to do better and to want to do better. I want everyone to feel proud to be here whether living or visiting Elizabeth City.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: We need to facilitate housing opportunities instead of having vacant buildings and lots. I want us to work towards re-establishing weatherization programs to help low income families reduce their utility bills.
Job opportunities: Before we can ask businesses to come to Elizabeth City, we need to straighten out issues with our own business. Improving the city and working on becoming a better Harbor of Hospitality will make it feasible to bring larger businesses to the city to create more job opportunities.
Police accountability: If we want to reduce crime and make our community safer we need to be talking through issues together and finding solutions. I would encourage citizens to participate in our community watch program so that more citizens have direct access to communicate with the leadership of the ECPD.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? I will remind young people that they already have a voice in the local community. Opportunities exist and they need to take advantage of them. They can attend and speak at ward, city council, board of elections, and school board meetings. If they are over 18 they can vote.
Website: VoteChristinaWilliams.com
Candidates for Elizabeth City Council – Ward 1
voters who live in Ward 1 can choose TWO candidates in this race
Johnson Biggs
candidate for City Council Ward 1
no response from candidate
Joseph Peel
candidate for City Council Ward 1
no response from candidate
Candidates for Elizabeth City Council – Ward 2
voters who live in Ward 2 can choose TWO candidates in this race
Javis Gibbs
candidate for City Council Ward 2
Background: I’m a lifelong resident of Elizabeth City. I was educated in the local school system. I’m a graduate of Elizabeth City State University. I’m currently a Longshoreman with ILA Local 1248 in Norfolk Virginia. I’m currently a 2nd Ward City Councilman for the City of Elizabeth City.
Why are you running for this office? My goal is to insure that everyone is treated equally and fairly. I want to help better the quality of life for all citizens of Elizabeth City. I have a heart for and care about people, therefore my desire is to continue giving back to my community.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: My top priority is insuring that our City is a safe place to live and visit. I also want to insure that our City is moving forward towards financial stability and growth. We must be responsible and mindful of how our taxpayer money is spent.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: I would like to increase the number of homeowners over home renters. I would seek grant funding that would provide educational as well as financial support and assistance to the path of home ownership. The push for home ownership is crucial to insuring affordable housing for everyone.
Job opportunities: Economic development is key to the overall success and progression of our City. We must market Elizabeth City as a place that prospective businesses would want to come and establish themselves in our community.
Police accountability: The job of a police officer is very challenging and therefore we must insure that our officers are properly trained and equipped to handle whatever situation they may encounter. We must also realize that they are human beings and often have to make split second decisions while on the duty.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? I take every opportunity that presents itself to encourage young people to become active in all aspects and areas of local government. I stress the importance of voting and having their voices heard. I invite them to our meetings so they can see firsthand the inner workings of city government.
Website: Javis Gibbs on Facebook
Carol Peterson
candidate for City Council Ward 2
Background: I am the admissions/marketing director for an assisted living/memory care community. I have 35 years business experience, 25 of those Human Resource Management. I studied Business Administration & Administration of Justice at TCC. I am an Ambassador for the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce.
Why are you running for this office? I am invested in this great city. I am passionate about our youth and elderly. I’d like to help expand on the programs we have in place, and spearhead new ones. They are our most vulnerable, and most precious. I have a servants heart and want to give back to this great city.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: 1. Expand our youth programs, partnering with our churches, parks & rec, and schools to keep kids busy and off the street. 2. Clean up our neighborhoods by making landlords accountable for run down and unsafe properties. 3. Work cohesively with the council to get our budget on track.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: Everyone deserves the American dream. Education on how to obtain affordable housing should be available to first time homeowners or those struggling financially.
Job opportunities: Ensure job vacancies are open and accessible to the public. We must hire the right people for the right positions.
Police accountability: Our police need our support as much as we need them. Criminals need to be made accountable on first offenses. Increase law enforcement budget.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Invite them to attend city municipal meetings. Allow them to intern. Speak at different colleges and educate them on why their input and votes matter.
Website: VoteCarolPeterson.com
Rose Marie Whitehurst
candidate for City Council Ward 2
Background: I have served Elizabeth City as a nurse, and also direct Souls Ministry. I am currently in my first term as a council member. I graduated from the University of Phoenix with an MBA. I have experience with accountability with large budgets.
Why are you running for this office? This was my first term as the city Council member. Our current council team has worked well together to come up with solutions to multiple inherited challenges. I am encouraged by the direction the city is moving and would like to continue to transform the city as we work in unity.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: My top priority is to continue serving those that suffer disparities. Approximately 35% of our population live at or below poverty level. I will advocate for more housing and shelter. Second is reducing the number of crimes committed by our youth. Staying involved at schools and offering programs.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: We need to work collaboratively with the Economic Improvement Council and address the lack of enough houses. As stated earlier, our number of those living at or below poverty is above average when compared to other areas in NC.
Job opportunities: I believe we have to start with our youth, our education performance and our graduation rate for our region. We are fortunate to have three institutions of higher learning in Elizabeth City that offer workforce development, skills, training, and academics.
Police accountability: We have recently hired a new chief of police, who is doing an outstanding job. He is developing a core group that are demonstrating or bringing stability to the department. There is a strong focus on recruiting and also increasing salaries.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? We have to encourage our students to get involved in the election process by registering to vote and promoting voter registration efforts. We would encourage them to come to city Council meetings to learn more about our community committees, and participate in areas that they may have interest.
Website: none
Candidates for Elizabeth City Council – Ward 3
voters who live in Ward 3 can choose TWO candidates in this race
Katherine W. Felton
candidate for City Council Ward 3
Background: Born in EC; Well educated with a Bachelor’s degree from ECSU and a Master’s degree from Trenton State College in NJ. Developed the 1st HR Dept. for the City of EC and attended 650 Council meetings giving me much knowledge of the workings of the EC City Council; voted to the City Council in 2022.
Why are you running for this office? Already served on City Council for 14 months and I desire to return to further our Vision of “Making EC Better TOGETHER” for our Elizabeth City residents.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: I will continue to bring professionalism and work with all Council persons to improve the lives of our residents; continue to strengthen the broken financial issues that we inherited; provide the PD with all tools that they need to reduce violence in EC to create safe, stable living conditions.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: Continue to enforce standard Code enforcement policies, insist that the EC Grant Writer continue to search for Community Development Block grants and affordable housing, low-interest loans for home owners to take advantage of.
Job opportunities: As a former HR Dir. it has always been a top priority of mine to insure adequate job opportunities for everyone who is qualified and wants to work, City employees and residents needing employment as well. It is also urgent that we offer educational and training programs for persons who desire them.
Police accountability: It is of utmost importance that we support our PD, and hold them accountable to “Protect & Serve” the community. As a Council, we must also provide them with all of the necessary staff, tools, and equipment that they need to provide the safe environment that all residents deserve.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? This year my Council gave $50,000-Boys & Girl’s Club; $55,000 to upgrade the PALS Gym; $35,000 to the Albemarle Theater; $5,000 to the Arts of the Albemarle; we continued our Back to School Bash for the students at ECSU, MACU, and COA. We also meet with our youth regularly to hear their concerns.
Website: none
Moe Moore
candidate for City Council Ward 3
Background: I have worked with the youth in Elizabeth City. I’m a cook of over 20 years. I’ve lived in Elizabeth City over 20 years.
Why are you running for this office? I want to help to better the 3rd ward.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Financial transparency, helping the youth, improving housing
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: Hold landlords accountable, help weatherization assistance programs, homeless programs
Job opportunities: More job training workforce programs
Police accountability: Better communication
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Having board meetings letting them know they are part of the town.
Website: VoteMoeMoore.com
Kem Spence
candidate for City Council Ward 3
no response from candidate
Evelyn Strader
candidate for City Council Ward 3
Background: I have a degree in business Administration. I have worked as an Office manager and in customer service for 20+ years. I am a former Public Service Coordinator for the previous city I lived.
Why are you running for this office? I believe it is time for actual change and not just talk about change. The residents of Elizabeth City deserve transparency and to have their voices heard. Not just some of them, ALL of them.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: Accountability of Elected & Government Officials, Reducing violent Crime and enforcement of existing laws, financial stability for the City along with Town Hall community involvement.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: Affordable housing is definitely an issue, much of the affordable housing in our area is subpar which is not acceptable. We need move in inspections, the City needs to partner and look for grants for affordable housing. Many of the areas that are being built up do not focus on this whatsoever.
Job opportunities: There are many jobs in retail industry, the city needs to draw in other industries to afford its residents with better opportunities. To do this crime and housing issues will need to be addressed.
Police accountability: Currently our Police Force is only manned at about 37%, a permanent Police Chief has been appointed and has his hands tied by the current City Manager and Administration. Community Watch meetings, Town Hall Meetings and to have a person residents trust as a point of contact would be a start.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Education! Our youth need to realize that municipal elections affect their daily lives, from the condition of the roads, schools, parks, housing, taxes, water, electrical etc.
Website: VoteEvelynStrader.com
Candidates for Elizabeth City Council – Ward 4
voters who live in Ward 4 can choose TWO candidates in this race
Barbara Ann Baxter
candidate for City Council Ward 4
Background: Mother of two young ladies, graduated of COA 2010 General Education pursuing Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice specialization in Forensic Science. Advocate for community for over ten years. Help pass two budgets for Elizabeth City, a years worth of fighting for public health and safety.
Why are you running for this office? Continue journey of the fight for public health and safety. To help aid people on living conditions. Help economic growth for the city and to help ensure positive development/engagements for our youth and seniors. To help bring more positive and productive change throughout the entire City.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected: My top three priorities are continue the fight for public health and safety. Second, continue to be the ambitious change our city needs. Lastly, continue to be an advocate for those who feel they have no voice in the community.
Please describe how you would address the following issues:
Affordable housing: Personally to address a problem as such, I would have to be a advocate for this. Add it on to what I already advocate for. It is a sure way of making sure the topic stays afloat with other situations to help find more solutions.
Job opportunities: Study the needs of the community and people, focus on a stable economy, find solutions to bring more jobs. Networking is the key to open doors for new job opportunities.
Police accountability: All have to hold ourselves accountable. Police accountability starts with a strategic strategy and a plan. Focus on the needs of communities which we serve. Briefings/stay up on what’s happening so situations are handled properly. Make accountability a priority!
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government and the decisions that affect the community? Engagement is the key to ensure these select groups have a voice. To see what their needs are by staying active, holding meetings and town halls. Networking with them and understand what they believe in. Be the voice they need and address their concerns to the government body accordingly.
Website: Barbara Ann Baxter Facebook
Ronnie (Sugarbear) Morris
candidate for City Council Ward 4
No response from candidate
Johnnie B. Walton
candidate for City Council Ward 4
No response from candidate
Sandra E. White
candidate for City Council Ward 4
No response from candidate
Voting Tools
Questions about Elizabeth City’s election?
Contact the Pasquotank County Board of Elections at 252-335-1739
