There are three proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot this November: a voter ID requirement for mail-in voting, a cap on state income tax rates and limits on local property tax increases. If passed, each could shape life in North Carolina and Durham for years.
Go to the polls informed.
Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Voter Identification Amendment: “Constitutional amendment to require all voters, not just those presenting to vote in person, to present photo identification before voting.”
A “yes” vote supports the amendment, thus requiring all voters, including mail-in voters, to present valid photo identification before voting.
A “no” vote opposes the amendment, keeping photo identification requirements the same as current regulations.
Importantly, the North Carolina Constitution already requires photo ID for mail-in voters, meaning this amendment would merely make the requirement permanent in the constitution.
Under this policy, all voters are required to present an acceptable form of photo ID, including, but not limited to, a North Carolina driver’s license, a U.S. Passport, or an approved college or university student ID. If eligible, voters can complete an ID Exception Form to vote without a valid photo ID.
Advocates of the amendment, such as House Rep. Mike Schietzelt, R-Wake, say the amendment will increase protection against fraud to further ensure the accuracy of election results.
Meanwhile, opponents claim the amendment is an unnecessary attempt to undermine voters.
“I’m worried that we are going to end up disenfranchising voters who may not be able to comply with however this constitutional amendment is implemented,” said House Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford.
Reduce Income Tax Rate Cap from 7% to 3.5% Amendment: “Constitutional amendment to keep the State income tax rate from being raised higher than three and one-half percent (3.5%).”
A “yes” vote supports the amendment, which would lower the constitutional maximum income tax rate from the current 7% to 3.5%.
A “no” vote opposes the amendment, keeping the current 7% income tax rate.
This amendment wouldn’t impact current income tax rates, but the ability of future legislators to adjust rates would be heavily restricted by the new cap.
Notably, income taxes help fund vital public services including teacher salaries, infrastructure plans and state universities. Rep. Harrison says the state will likely need to reduce or even eliminate services to account for lower income tax rates, leaving local governments to fund the services instead.
Advocates for the amendment, including Sen. Michael Lee, R-Hanover, claim the amendment would reduce the financial burden of taxes for voters amid rising costs across the board.
By permanently lowering the income tax rate in the constitution, the very wealthy avoid large tax increases, which has prompted criticism of the amendment.
Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party of North Carolina, Lynn McGee, says this amendment would only stand to benefit the ultra-wealthy while Gov. Josh Stein says it is “a con, a cynical shell game and a millionaire protection cap.”
Property Tax Levy Limit Amendment: “Constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increases by local governments.”
A “yes” vote supports the amendment, thus requiring state legislators to pass laws limiting property tax increases that have largely been left up to local governments until now.
A “no” vote opposes the amendment, allowing local governments to retain power to levy property tax changes as they see fit.
No state property tax currently exists, meaning local governments have historically been given complete power to regulate property taxes according to the needs of their constituencies to fund services such as waste management, park construction, and libraries.
Supporters of the amendment claim it will check the power of local governments and reduce the risk of overtaxation.
“It’s time for real reform,” says Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell. “This constitutional amendment on levy limits will help stop runaway property tax hikes and protect North Carolina taxpayers.”
Opponents, including Rep. Harrison, say the amendment’s language is too vague, allowing future property tax exemptions for large tech companies, like Duke Energy, and restricting the power of local governments to fund necessary services in their community.
Looking Ahead
Most importantly, none of these amendments will result in immediate, noticeable change, but could drastically impact the abilities of future legislators to levy taxes, fund local governments, and adjust to state crises.
Early voting is open now until Oct. 31 at 3:00 p.m. Early voting sites can be found here.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. All polling locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Find your polling site here.
Excellent detailed descriptions of each amendment and the future ramifications should they pass. The ballot descriptions are vague and wording could encourage voters to believe the tax amendments, for example , would benefit the general public. This is not the case. The article aptly notes that the wealthy taxpayers would benefit and local agencies and community efforts would suffer.
Thanks for this very helpful, informative article!
great article! really helpful, thank you.