BURKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
November 3, 2026 · Burke County, North Carolina · County · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Average · 44 out of 100
This district is mid-sized for its type, so each vote carries average weight. About 87,795 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(1,178,653 ÷ 87,795) ÷ ln(1,178,653 ÷ 3,423) = 44.46, comparing counties in NC (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: Unknown
No past results for this contest yet.
Average representation + unknown decisiveness → Average vote impact.
Some data is missing, so this rating is based on partial information and capped at "High".
County Commissioner is responsible for:
- Passing county rules and the county budget
- Setting property tax rates that fund county services
- Overseeing county departments such as roads, parks, and public health
- Deciding land use in areas outside city limits
Affected Areas: Environment and Public Health, Government Efficiency, Healthcare Affordability, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Social Programs and Welfare, Public Infrastructure
Candidates
Phil Smith
Republican · declared
Phil Smith is a Republican candidate for BURKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS in the November 2026 general election.
Randy Burns
Republican · declared
Randy Burns is a Republican candidate for BURKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS in the November 2026 general election.
Steve Starnes
Democratic · declared
Steve Starnes is a Democratic candidate for BURKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS in the November 2026 general election.
Election sources
Source: s3.amazonaws.com