In North Carolina, the landscape of public governance is shaped not only by elected officials but also by a significant number of non-elected appointed officials. As of recent data, North Carolina boasts approximately 6,000 elected public officials across various levels of government, contrasting sharply with tens of thousands non-elected appointed public officials. This disparity highlights the intricate web of decision-making and policy influence beyond the ballot box.
The financial stakes in North Carolina elections have also surged dramatically. According to Open Secrets, over the span from the 2014 to the 2020 election cycles, campaign spending skyrocketed from $835 million to $2.4 billion—a staggering 187.43% increase. This financial influx underscores the heightened competition and strategic importance of electoral campaigns in the state.
Examining the breakdown of elected officials reveals a complex picture. At the state level, North Carolina hosts 583 elected positions, encompassing ten executive branch officials, 170 legislators in the General Assembly, and numerous judges across various courts. County-level governance adds another layer with approximately 1,792 elected officials, including commissioners, sheriffs, court officials, and school board members. The Soil and Water Conservation District typically has a 5 member Board of Supervisors adding 288 officials. Â Municipalities contribute significantly with an estimated 3,312 elected officials spread across mayors and city council members.
Beyond elected positions, the influence of non-elected officials cannot be overlooked. These individuals serve on a multitude of boards, commissions, and special districts throughout the state. For instance, the executive branch alone houses around 7,000 members across 300 boards and commissions. In the judicial branch, 672 appointed magistrates and 31 public defenders/court-appointed attorneys play crucial roles in legal proceedings and justice administration.
Special districts in North Carolina, numbering approximately 203 non-school special districts, operate with an average of five members per board, resulting in an estimated 1,015 non-elected officials overseeing various governmental functions. County and municipal boards and commissions further expand this non-elected influence. There are 100 counties in North Carolina, each with an estimated 22 boards and commissions, totaling approximately 2,200 boards and commissions. With an average of 10 members per board, this results in an estimated 22,000 appointed members. For the 552 municipalities, an average of 11.9 boards and commissions per municipality yields an estimated 6,569 municipal boards and commissions. Assuming each board has an average of 10 members, this totals approximately 65,690 appointed members. These county and municipal boards and commissions manage a diverse array of local concerns, from zoning to human relations. Additionally, city charters typically state that certain officers and employees, such as the city clerk and city budget officer, will be appointed by the city council, adding a few thousand more municipal appointed positions with significant managing power.
The disparity in numbers between elected and non-elected officials highlights a crucial aspect of governance often overlooked. While elected officials are directly accountable to voters, non-elected appointees wield significant influence in shaping policies that impact the daily lives of North Carolinians. These officials oversee everything from public safety and education to economic development and environmental stewardship, making decisions that affect communities at large.
Despite their profound impact, non-elected officials often operate with less public scrutiny and oversight compared to their elected counterparts. This disparity underscores a critical gap in civic engagement and transparency, as the public’s awareness and access to these decision-makers remain limited. Efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in these roles are crucial for fostering a more informed and participatory democracy in North Carolina.
In conclusion, while elections and elected officials rightfully receive much attention in political discourse, the vast network of non-elected appointed officials in North Carolina plays an equally significant role in shaping public policy and governance. Understanding and engaging with these non-elected decision-makers is essential for comprehensively addressing the needs and concerns of communities across the state, ensuring that both elected and appointed officials uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and public service.
Hasan Crockett, Ph.D.
Dean Liberal Arts and Humanities
Chair, History and Political Science
Associate Professor Political Science
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC