Eleanor Finch
North Carolina's 2024 ballot includes a citizens-only voting amendment that has sparked controversy and raised concerns about anti-immigrant sentiments. The amendment aims to change the state constitution's language on voting laws, reiterating that only U.S. citizens can vote. While advocates argue it clarifies existing laws, opponents claim it spreads misinformation, creates confusion, and targets marginalized communities. The primary way to challenge or amend the North Carolina Constitution is through a vote by the state's qualified voters, with the General Assembly playing a key role in initiating and facilitating the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary method to challenge a NC constitutional amendment | Vote of the qualified voters of the state |
| Who can initiate a proposal for a new amendment? | The General Assembly, with a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate |
| When does an amendment become effective? | January 1st after ratification by the voters, unless a different date is prescribed |
| What is the role of the Constitutional Amendments Publication Commission (CAPC)? | Prepare an explanation of the amendment in simple language and prepare the short caption for the ballot |
| What is the purpose of the "citizens-only" voting amendment? | To clarify that non-citizens cannot vote and to address conspiracy theories about non-citizen voting |
| What is the impact of removing the term "naturalization"? | It may create confusion and bring into question the voting rights of naturalized citizens |
| What are the concerns raised by opponents? | The amendment may promote mistrust in elections, perpetuate anti-immigration sentiments, and create division across communities |
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What You'll Learn
- The amendment will be on the 2024 general election ballot
- The amendment will remove the mention of naturalization in the constitution
- Voting against the amendment to support immigrant communities
- The amendment will change the language on voting laws
- The process to amend the constitution of North Carolina
The amendment will be on the 2024 general election ballot
The process of challenging a constitutional amendment in North Carolina begins with the state's General Assembly, which can put a constitutional amendment on a statewide election ballot by passing a law with a three-fifths majority vote in both the House and the Senate. The voters of the state then have the power to vote "for" or "against" the amendment, which, in this case, will take place during the 2024 general election.
If the amendment is passed, it will become part of the state constitution. However, it is important to note that this does not change the fact that U.S. citizens, regardless of how they gained citizenship, are eligible to vote under federal law.
The process of amending the United States Constitution is outlined in Article V of the Constitution. An amendment can be proposed by Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Once an amendment is proposed, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 out of 50) to become part of the Constitution.
In the case of the North Carolina amendment, it is essential to understand the context and potential implications. Some opponents argue that it could create an avenue to challenge the voting rights of naturalized citizens, even though federal law protects these rights. There are also concerns that the amendment may contribute to a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment and conspiracy theories about noncitizen voting.
Given the complexity and potential consequences of constitutional amendments, it is crucial for voters to be well-informed and engage in the democratic process by voting during the 2024 general election.
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The amendment will remove the mention of naturalization in the constitution
The North Carolina "citizens-only voting" amendment seeks to strike the mention of naturalization from the constitution's voter eligibility section. This amendment is one of eight such amendments on ballots across the United States in the 2024 General Election. The amendment's proponents argue that it clarifies that only citizens can vote, which is already the law. However, critics argue that it could create a pathway to challenge the voting rights of naturalized citizens in state elections.
The primary way to amend the North Carolina Constitution is through a vote of the state's qualified voters. The amendment process begins with the General Assembly, which must pass a law with a three-fifths majority in both the House and the Senate to place the amendment on a statewide ballot. The Constitutional Amendments Publication Commission (CAPC) is then required to meet and prepare an explanation of the amendment in simple language and a short caption for the ballot. Finally, voters decide whether to approve or reject the amendment through a referendum.
While it is possible to challenge and repeal a constitutional amendment, it is a challenging and rare process. The Constitution's Article V outlines the process, which requires a proposal by two-thirds of the House and Senate or a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures. Following this, three-quarters of state legislatures or ratifying conventions must ratify the amendment for it to become part of the Constitution. This process can be lengthy and time-consuming, and very few amendments have been successfully repealed.
To challenge the North Carolina "citizens-only voting" amendment, opponents can advocate for a "no" vote during the referendum process. Additionally, they can raise awareness about the potential negative consequences of the amendment, such as promoting anti-immigration sentiment and creating mistrust in elections. By engaging in public discourse and educating voters about the amendment's potential impact, opponents can influence public opinion and increase the likelihood of the amendment's rejection.
It is worth noting that the amendment's impact on the voting rights of naturalized citizens is a matter of debate. While some argue that it could create a pathway to challenge their voting rights, others assert that U.S. citizens, regardless of how they gained citizenship, will remain eligible to vote under federal law.
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Voting against the amendment to support immigrant communities
Voting against the amendment is a powerful way to support immigrant communities and uphold the values of inclusivity and equality. By rejecting the proposed changes, you can send a clear message that North Carolina values the contributions and rights of all its residents, regardless of their country of origin.
The "citizens-only voting" amendment seeks to alter the voter eligibility language in the state constitution. Currently, the constitution states that "every" person born in the United States or naturalized can vote. The amendment aims to replace this with wording that says "only" a U.S. citizen can vote. While proponents argue that this is merely a clarification, opponents contend that it is unnecessary and risks disenfranchising naturalized citizens.
Voting against the amendment sends a strong signal that North Carolina rejects anti-immigrant sentiment and conspiracy theories about noncitizen voting. This amendment falls in line with a wave of anti-immigrant rhetoric and efforts to scapegoat immigrant communities. By voting against it, you can help foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents, regardless of their citizenship status.
Additionally, a vote against the amendment demonstrates support for the rights of naturalized citizens. While the amendment does not explicitly strip voting rights from naturalized citizens, it removes explicit voting protections for this group. This could create a pathway to challenge the voting rights of naturalized citizens in the future. Voting against the amendment reinforces the principle that all U.S. citizens, regardless of how they gained citizenship, have an equal right to participate in the democratic process.
Finally, voting against the amendment upholds the integrity of North Carolina's electoral system. The state already has robust election safeguards to ensure that only qualified U.S. citizens cast ballots. By rejecting the amendment, you can show that you trust in these secure election processes and believe in maintaining accessible elections for all eligible voters.
In conclusion, voting against the amendment is a powerful act of solidarity with immigrant communities. It sends a message that North Carolina values inclusivity, equality, and the rights of all its residents. By rejecting the amendment, you can help foster a more welcoming and democratic environment for all who call North Carolina home. Remember, the primary way to amend the Constitution of North Carolina is by a vote of the qualified voters of the state, so your vote against the amendment can have a significant impact on shaping the future of voting rights in the state.
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The amendment will change the language on voting laws
The "citizens-only voting" amendment in North Carolina seeks to change the language on voting laws by replacing the current wording in the state constitution, which states that "every" person born in the United States or naturalized can vote, with language that says "only" a U.S. citizen can vote. This amendment has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it falls in line with a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment and conspiracy theories about noncitizen voting. Opponents also argue that it is unnecessary since federal and state laws already require U.S. citizenship to vote.
The process to challenge this constitutional amendment in North Carolina would involve a few steps. Firstly, voters have the power to vote "for" or "against" the amendment during the election. If the amendment is passed, it will be added to the state constitution. However, even before it reaches the ballot, the General Assembly must first pass a law by a three-fifths vote in both the House and the Senate to put the amendment on a statewide election ballot. This triggers a meeting of the Constitutional Amendments Publication Commission (CAPC), which prepares an explanation of the amendment in simple language and a short caption for the ballot.
If the amendment is ratified, there may be legal avenues to challenge it. For example, in the case of the "citizens-only voting" amendment, there are concerns that it could lead to challenges to the voting rights of naturalized citizens in state elections. Legal challenges could be brought if subsequent legislation enacted by the General Assembly narrows voter eligibility and these changes are then contested in the judiciary.
It is important to note that North Carolina is one of eight states with similar citizen-only voting amendments on the ballot, and the outcome of these votes could have broader implications for voting rights and immigrant communities across the country.
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The process to amend the constitution of North Carolina
The state constitution of North Carolina can be amended through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention. The legislative process involves the following steps:
- The General Assembly passes a law by a three-fifths vote of the members of both the House and the Senate.
- This law puts an amendment to the Constitution on a statewide election ballot on a specified date.
- When the General Assembly passes a law that puts a constitutional amendment on the ballot, a meeting of the Constitutional Amendments Publication Commission (CAPC) is required by state law.
- The CAPC prepares an explanation of the amendment in simple and commonly used language, as well as a short caption for the ballot.
- Voters then approve the amendment with a simple majority vote (50% plus 1).
The convention-referred constitutional amendment process involves the following steps:
- A convention of the people of North Carolina is called to propose a new or revised Constitution or constitutional amendments.
- The proposals are then submitted to the qualified voters of the state at the time and in the manner prescribed by the convention.
- If a majority of the votes cast are in favor of ratification, the amendment becomes effective on January 1st of the following year, unless a different effective date is prescribed.
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Frequently asked questions
The NC constitutional amendment is a citizens-only voting amendment that would change the language in the state constitution to reiterate that only U.S. citizens can vote in the state.
The primary way to challenge a constitutional amendment in North Carolina is by a vote of the qualified voters of the state. If more than 50% of North Carolina voters vote against an amendment, it will not go into effect.
There are several arguments for challenging the NC constitutional amendment:
- It is redundant as state and federal laws already require U.S. citizenship to vote.
- It perpetuates anti-immigration sentiment and racism.
- It creates confusion and brings the voting rights of naturalized citizens into question.
