theYARD

A beginners guide to Greensboro municipal elections

Nevaeh Moffat, TheYard Reporter

October 4, 2025

The races for mayor and city council headline Greensboro’s 2025 municipal elections, with early voting ending today, October 4, and the primary set for Tuesday, October 7.

The results will play a decisive role in shaping the city’s future in areas such as housing, transportation, and public safety.

Council members and the mayor decide on zoning, sidewalks, lighting, and public transit funding. All of which directly impact N.C. A&T campus life.

When turnout is low, small groups of voters determine these policies for the entire city.

So far, turnout has been low; only 0.6% of registered voters in Greensboro have cast their ballots, according to Pete Shaw, Greensboro chair of the Guilford County’s Democratic Party.

Still, officials note that early voting sites often see the highest traffic in the final days before polls close, meaning participation could rise as the October 4 deadline is here. How voters turn out in these final days could be especially consequential this year.

This year’s mayoral seat is vacant following Mayor Nancy Vaughan’s decision not to seek re-election, drawing a wide field of candidates. With no incumbent on the ballot, the October 7 primary takes on added significance, as voters will help determine the city’s next direction and leadership.

Candidates include:

Marikay Abuzuaiter (Mayor Pro Tem)

Has served on Greensboro’s City Council since 2011 and was chosen as Mayor Pro Tem after the death of Yvonne Johnson.
Focuses strongly on public safety (supporting police, fire department, gun-violence prevention) and community health and education.
Advocates for equitable infrastructure, regional collaboration, and sustaining economic momentum in Greensboro

Mark Cummings (former judge)

Served as a Guilford County District Court judge; is running for mayor after a previous mayoral bid in 2022.
Describes himself as a “fighter,” positioning himself as someone who will stand up to powerful interests on behalf of underserved or marginalized communities.
His judicial career ended amid controversy: he resigned following an investigation into alleged misconduct, including allegedly directing a clerk to falsify documents, altering bond orders, and overstepping authority.

Akir Khan (nonprofit leader / community advocate)

Board Chair of Out of the Garden Project, a nonprofit focused on food access, nutrition education, fresh-food distribution, and community food justice.
The campaign platform emphasizes closing food deserts, expanding digital access and infrastructure, affordable housing, economic opportunity tied to job training, and public safety with accountability.
Background includes roles in education and public service (e.g. adjunct instructor, work in expanding fiber/internet access via J&A Solutions).

Robbie Perkins (former mayor /public official)

Served on Greensboro City Council for 16 years and was mayor from 2011 to 2013.
Positions himself as a steady, experienced leader with institutional knowledge, intending to bring both “fresh ideas” and proven competence.
Professionally connected to real estate and development (brokerage) and suggests he can manage growth, infrastructure, housing, and strategic city planning with insight from his past service.

Meanwhile, several competitive city council races especially in District 1, District 2, and at-large seats could bring significant changes to the council’s makeup.

Council decisions on affordable housing, zoning, and transportation routes will shape student life in Greensboro, influencing everything from rental costs near campus to the safety and accessibility of late-night transit.

This election is the chance for students and young residents to help shape Greensboro’s future. A&T students being diligent about voting ensures they’re represented by their local government

Early Voting Details

Early voting ends Saturday, October 4. Students and residents can vote at any of the following four locations:

Old Guilford County Courthouse, Coleman Conference Room
301 W. Market St., First Floor, Room 108, Greensboro, NC 27401
Bur-Mil Clubhouse
5834 Bur-Mil Club Road, Greensboro, NC 27410
Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Special Events Center
1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403
Jamestown Town Hall
301 E. Main St., Jamestown, NC 27282

Final Week Early Voting Schedule

Mon, Sept. 30 – Thurs, Oct. 3:
- Courthouse: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Bur-Mil, Coliseum, Jamestown: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4 (LAST DAY): All locations open 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Special Weekend Voting at the Coliseum

Sat, Oct. 4 & Sun, Oct. 5: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Coliseum Complex, Aquatic Center entrance (ACC Hall of Champions end).
Free parking available
Curbside voting offered for those who need it.

Primary Election Day

Those who miss early voting, you must vote at their assigned precinct on Tuesday, October 7.