League of Women Voters Releases Statement on NC Constitutional Amendments for 2018 General Election Ballot

LWVNC Positions on NC Constitutional Amendments for 2018 General Election BallotHB913: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NORTH CAROLINA TO ESTABLISH A BIPARTISAN BOARD OF ETHICS AND ELECTIONS ENFORCEMENT AND TO CLARIFY BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

(a) Remove the governor’s ability to appoint some members of state boards and commissions, giving the statelegislature the power to make these appointments; and
(b) Restructure the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement

LWVNC position: OPPOSE

(a) The proposed transfer of appointment powers from the governor to the legislature violates the separation ofpowers principle in our constitution.
​
(b) This amendment allows for representation on the Board of Ethics and Elections from the two parties with themost members in both the NC House and Senate; but it is likely to be a prescription for deadlock since there willbe a total of eight members on the Board. The League believes that the selection of a ninth member of the Boardby the Governor may produce a more workable Board, with less likelihood of gridlock.

Updated 8/21/18

SB814: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NORTH CAROLINA TO PROVIDE FOR NONPARTISAN JUDICIAL MERIT COMMISSIONS FOR THE NOMINATION AND RECOMMENDATION OF NOMINEES WHEN FILLING VACANCIES IN THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE OR JUDGE OF THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE AND TO MAKE OTHER CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION.

Remove the governor’s power to fill judicial vacancies

LWVNC position: OPPOSE

This amendment as written provides few details on the composition of the merit commission – how members would be vetted and selected - and reduces the influence and power of the governor to affect the process. This proposal would dramatically increase the power of legislators to control who sits on our state courts.

HB1092: AN ACT TO AMEND THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO REQUIRE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION TO VOTE IN PERSON.

Require photographic identification for in-person voting in future elections

LWVNC position: OPPOSE

This amendment restricts voting access to those with a photo ID. It provides no information on how those who lack ID – particularly the poor, young, and elderly – will be able to get a free and easily obtainable photo ID. It imbeds a technology requirement into the constitution that may be outdated in the near future due to the increasing use of biometric data. Election detail specifics should be created by legislation, not a constitutional amendment. 

SB75: AN ACT TO AMEND THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE MAXIMUM TAX RATE ON INCOMES CANNOT EXCEED SEVEN PERCENT

Reduce the maximum state income tax rate from 10% to 7%

LWVNC position: OPPOSE

This amendment unduly restricts the ability of elected House and Senate members to modify the income tax level based upon the needs of the state at any particular time. Our elected officials need flexibility to respond to changes in the economy when those changes significantly impact the needs of North Carolinians. 

HB551: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NORTH CAROLINA TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTIONS AND SAFEGUARDS TO VICTIMS OF CRIME

Expand the rights of victims of crimes

LWVNC position: No position

SB677: AN ACT TO AMEND THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO HUNT, FISH, AND HARVEST WILDLIFE

Constitutionally enshrine the right to hunt and fish
​
LWVNC position: No position


Media Contact:
Communications Director: Mary Ellen Cole


​