Elon poll: North Carolina voters back three constitutional amendments on taxes and voting

The useful part

Elon University) "All the amendments on the ballot, we're finding have much stronger for than against," Jason Husser, director of the Elon University Poll, told NC Newsline's Rob Schofield. Republican lawmakers have accused some local governments of out-of-control spending and lack of transparency. "Families are getting ripped off as some, but by no means all, local governments rake in billions more than inflation and population growth warrant," House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) said in May.

How it works

• "I think if we were really serious about fixing the property tax problem, we would begin here looking at ourselves and figuring out how we can support these communities in both their education, their law...
• Local property taxes help pay for vital needs like public safety, education, and public health.
• Democratic lawmakers argued local governments are being forced to raise their property tax rates because the state isn't supplying enough funding.
• If approved, the constitutional amendment would cap growth in total dollars collected by local governments.
• The Elon Poll also found that 63% of likely voters support the constitutional amendment to require a photo ID for all forms of voting.

What to take from it

In 2023, the NC Supreme Court ruled that absentee voters must include a photocopy of their Photo IDs with mailed-in ballots or complete the ID Exception Form. The amendment will lock the requirement into the state's constitution so it can't be changed by lawmakers. When it came to the income tax amendment, 67% of likely voters favored it while 18% were opposed and 16% were unsure.

Details worth keeping

NC groups launch campaign to defeat two tax amendments on November ballot But critics of the amendment have warned that limiting property tax levies could have dire consequences for local governments, which could be forced to cut services. Eric Ager (D-Buncombe) said during a House debate on the amendment. Lawmakers would enact laws to define revenue limits and exceptions.

Related coverage

• Ncnewsline: The latest public opinion survey shows generally strong support amongst voters for a trio of proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the North Carolina ballot this fall that address incomes...
• Ncnewsline: There will be much at stake in November when North Carolinians go to the polls.