Voter ID, income taxes and property taxes: What to know about NC’s proposed amendments

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — North Carolina voters will decide on three proposed constitutional amendments in the November election, addressing voter identification, state income taxes and property tax increases.

The first amendment would require photo identification for all voters, including those voting by mail, and add the requirement to the state constitution.

John Hinnant, chair of the New Hanover County Republican Party, said the proposal is intended to improve election integrity. Jill Hopman, chair of the New Hanover County Democratic Party, said it could create barriers for students, older adults and people with lower incomes.

The second amendment would lower the constitutional cap on the state’s income tax rate from 7% to 3.5%.

Supporters say the change could help keep taxes low and improve affordability. Opponents argue it could limit future funding for public services, including schools and law enforcement.

The third amendment would require state lawmakers to establish limits on property tax levy increases by local governments. However, the proposal does not specify what those limits would be.

The issue has drawn attention in Pender County, where sharp increases in property assessments have prompted public backlash. Supporters say the amendment could help control local tax increases, while opponents question how much protection it would provide without a specific limit.

Voters will decide whether to approve all three proposed amendments in the November election.