Durham County elections director Mike Ashe talked to the city council Thursday about switching council elections to a non-partisan plurality method.

The change would dispense with the city's present primary system and settle contests in one general election.

According to Ashe, the switch would save $175,000 to $180,000 each election year.

He said that 487 North Carolina cities use a non-partisan plurality system; 25 use the non-partisan primary and general election; 28 a non-partisan election with run-off; and nine hold partisan primaries before a general election.

"All forms of elections serve democracy well," Ashe said. "This is not a question of which election is better, this is a question of saving thousands of dollars."

(reported by Bull's Eye correspondent Vernal Coleman)