CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Depending on where you live, you may notice a few additional choices on your ballot today. Here is a break-down of the state constitutional amendment and other things you will see on your ballot in Charlotte.
All voters in North Carolina will see a "referenda" for a constitutional amendment. If approved, it would add an amendment to the state constitution that says only U.S. citizens 18 and older can vote in North Carolina.
This is what it reads:
"Constitutional amendment to provide that only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possesses the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this state."
It is already illegal in North Carolina for non-citizens to vote, but voting 'yes' on the referenda would change some wording in the state's constitution.
The 14th Amendment requires people to be born or naturalized in the United States to vote. The current North Carolina Constitution states every person born in the United States and every person who has been naturalized and is 18 years of age, as long as they meet the qualifications, can vote.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a “naturalized” citizen is someone who moved here and became a citizen. If approved, the amendment would take out the word naturalized.
But those who are naturalized are already citizens, so they would still be able to vote. However, there are concerns from some groups that it could cause confusion.
On top of voting for candidates, Charlotte voters will also weigh in on $400 million worth of bond referendums on the ballot.
Charlotte bond referendums
The city of Charlotte is proposing three bond projects to improve transportation, housing and neighborhoods. However, voters aren't just deciding if the projects can happen.
A 'yes' vote means you also support raising property taxes to pay for them.
First, is the transportation bond.
The city wants $238 million to help fund new transportation projects like improved sidewalks, transportation safety and traffic solutions. If approved, it would raise property taxes by $1 per $100,000 of assessed value.
That means for a $400,000 home, you'd pay $4 extra per year.
The second is for housing bonds.
The city is asking for $100 million to help create more affordable housing. A 'yes' vote for that would raise property taxes by $1.30 per $100,000 of value.
The third measure proposes $62 million for the neighborhood improvement bond.
If voters approve all three of those bond proposals, homeowners with a $400,000 home will pay an extra $10 per year in property taxes.
