Your November 2026 Ballot

North Carolina statewide amendments — explained in plain English

Election Day: November 3, 2026

Every NC voter will see these three constitutional amendments on their ballot this November. We've explained what each one actually does — not just what it says.

Amendment 1SB 1080 · Income Tax

Income Tax Cap

Constitutional amendment to lower the maximum allowable state income tax rate from 7% to 3.5%

What it actually does

NC's income tax rate is already scheduled to drop to 3.49% next year regardless of this vote. This amendment doesn't lower your taxes today — it permanently prevents any future legislature from raising the income tax above 3.5%, even during a recession, natural disaster, or state emergency. Changing it later would require another statewide vote.

✅ If it passes

Future legislators cannot raise income taxes above 3.5% without voter approval.

❌ If it fails

The current 7% constitutional cap remains. Income taxes still drop to 3.49% next year as already planned.

👍 Arguments in Favor

Protects taxpayers from future tax hikes and locks in the legislature's commitment to lower taxes permanently.

👎 Arguments Against

Tying the state's hands during future emergencies could force cuts to schools, roads, disaster relief, and public safety when revenue is needed most.

Amendment 2HB 1089 · Property Tax

Property Tax Limit

Constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increases by local governments

What it actually does

Requires the legislature to pass a law capping how fast local governments can raise property taxes — but the actual cap number is not decided yet. You are voting to require a limit without knowing what that limit will be.

✅ If it passes

The legislature must create a property tax cap law. Cities and counties will face new restrictions on raising property taxes.

❌ If it fails

Local governments keep their current authority to set property tax rates based on local needs.

👍 Arguments in Favor

Property taxes have risen too fast in NC and homeowners need constitutional protection from local government overtaxing.

👎 Arguments Against

Local governments use property taxes to fund schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. A vague amendment with no specified limit gives voters no way to evaluate what they're actually agreeing to.

Amendment 3SB 921 · Voter ID

Photo Voter ID

Constitutional amendment requiring photographic identification to vote, including for mail-in ballots

What it actually does

Photo ID for in-person voting is already NC law. This amendment adds mail-in voter ID to the state constitution, making both requirements permanent and much harder for future legislators to modify or repeal. Free photo IDs are available from county election boards and the DMV.

✅ If it passes

Photo ID becomes a constitutional requirement for all voting in NC — in person and by mail.

❌ If it fails

In-person photo ID requirement stays as state law. Mail-in voters are not required to include a photo ID.

👍 Arguments in Favor

Putting voter ID in the constitution ensures consistent election security that can't be undone by a future legislature.

👎 Arguments Against

Elderly, low-income, and minority voters are less likely to have qualifying photo ID, and adding a mail-in ID requirement could disenfranchise voters who already face barriers to getting to polling locations.

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Amendment information sourced from NC General Assembly legislation and verified by NCPoliSearch. Arguments reflect positions stated by legislators during committee and floor debates. This is not an endorsement of any position. Always verify with official sources at ncsbe.gov.