Vote AGAINST on the Following Amendments:
1. Property Tax Levy Limit Amendment
Constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increases by local governments
This amendment would require the General Assembly to set limits on how much property tax revenue local governments may raise. The amendment does not specify the limit, deferring details to future legislative sessions.
Why we opposes it:
- Shifts local funding decisions to the state.
- Counties already help fund state responsibilities, including public education and County Boards of Elections, resulting in a reduction of funding.
- Could result in reduced services or greater reliance on fees.
More information from the NC Tax and Budget Center:
https://ncbudget.org/levylimit/
2. Reduce Constitutional Income Tax
Constitutional amendment to keep the State income tax rate from being raised higher than three and one-half percent (3.5%).
This amendment would reduce the maximum personal income tax rate from 7% to 3.5%
Why we opposes it:
- It's unnecessary. Current law already keeps the tax rate below the proposed cap, so it does not lower taxes.
- Locks tax policy into the Constitution instead of allowing future lawmakers to respond to changing economic conditions.
- Would put future funding for education, disaster recovery, healthcare, and other essential services at risk.
More information from the NC Tax and Budget Center:
https://ncbudget.org/10-reasons-ncs-income-tax-cap-amendment-is-a-bad-deal-for-the-states-future/
3. Require Voter ID for All Voting Methods
Constitutional amendment to require all voters, not just those presenting to vote in person, to present photo identification before voting
This amendment would expand the Constitution's photo ID requirement from in-person voting to all voting methods, including absentee-by-mail and military and overseas (UOCAVA) voters.
Why we opposes it:
- State law already requires ID for absentee voting.
- Current law protects voters through a Photo ID Exception Form when they cannot reasonably provide ID.
- The amendment does not protect these safeguards for exceptions, allowing future legislatures to narrow or eliminate them.
- Creates additional barriers for military members who have already established their eligibility. It also makes it harder for students and elderly people to vote.