Simone Lawson
In 2024, North Carolina voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would change the state constitution's language on voting eligibility. The amendment, known as the citizens-only voting amendment, has sparked controversy due to its potential impact on naturalized citizens' voting rights and allegations of promoting anti-immigration sentiment. The ballot initiative, House Bill 1074, aims to remove the term naturalization from the state constitution's voting qualifications, which critics argue is unnecessary given existing state and federal laws that ensure only qualified U.S. citizens can vote. The amendment has faced opposition from advocacy groups and Democrats, who claim it will create confusion and set a harmful precedent for eligible North Carolinians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 2024 |
| State | North Carolina |
| Type of Election | General Election |
| Amendment Type | Citizens-only voting amendment |
| Amendment Purpose | To change the state constitution's current language on who can vote in elections |
| Current Constitution Wording | "Every person born in the United States and every person who has been naturalized, 18 years of age, and possessing the qualifications set out in this Article, shall be entitled to vote at any election by the people of the State, except as herein otherwise provided." |
| Proposed Amendment Wording | "Constitutional amendment to provide that only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State." |
| Amendment Proponents | North Carolina GOP |
| Amendment Opponents | Democracy NC, NC Asian Americans Together, statewide advocates |
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What You'll Learn
'Citizens-only' voting amendment
In 2024, North Carolina voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would change the state constitution's language on who can vote in elections. The "citizens-only voting" amendment proposes to modify the qualifications to vote by removing the term "naturalization" from the constitutional voting qualifications.
The current entry in the North Carolina constitution says that voting is limited to "every person born in the United States and every other person who has been naturalized, 18 years of age". The proposed amendment would change this to "only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State".
The amendment has been criticised by multiple advocacy groups and Democrats, who argue that it is unnecessary and will create confusion among immigrant voters who are legally allowed to vote. They also argue that it perpetuates anti-immigration hate and racism and promotes conspiracy theories about immigrants and voting. Chavi Khanna Koneru, co-founder and executive director of NC Asian Americans Together, called the amendment an "insidious change to the constitution that sets a dangerous precedent for setting up barriers for eligible North Carolinians to have a say in our future". Katelin Kaiser, Policy Director, said that certain politicians have introduced this amendment to "spread lies about immigrants and voting to sow doubt about elections they fear won’t go their way".
Supporters of the amendment, including the North Carolina GOP, argue that it is necessary to protect the integrity of elections, citing the failed policies of President Joe Biden and Democrats at the Southern border. They argue that the amendment would ensure that only qualified U.S. citizens cast ballots in elections.
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Photo ID requirement
One of the six constitutional amendments on the North Carolina ballot for the 2024 General Election is the "Constitutional amendment to require voters to provide photo identification before voting in person." This amendment, known as the Voter ID amendment, would mandate that voters present a form of photo identification when voting in person.
The specific requirements for the type of photo identification that would be accepted are not outlined in the amendment text. Instead, the amendment directs the state legislature to create and implement laws that support this amendment. This has been described as an "empty vessel" amendment, with the potential for future legislation to significantly impact its interpretation and implementation.
Supporters of this amendment argue that it will protect the integrity of elections by ensuring that only eligible voters cast their ballots. However, opponents argue that this amendment is unnecessary and may create barriers for eligible voters, particularly those from vulnerable communities. They argue that existing state and federal laws already require U.S. citizenship to vote, and robust election safeguards are in place to ensure only qualified citizens cast ballots.
The amendment has been criticized for potentially perpetuating anti-immigration sentiments and promoting mistrust in the election process. Some worry that it may disproportionately impact naturalized citizens, creating confusion and potentially deterring them from exercising their right to vote.
The outcome of this ballot measure will determine whether the Voter ID amendment is enacted into law in North Carolina, impacting the voting process and access for future elections in the state.
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Victims of crime protections
In 2024, North Carolina voters will decide on six constitutional amendments on the ballot for the general election. One of these is the "Victims of Crime Protections" amendment, which aims to strengthen protections for victims of crime, establish certain basic rights for victims, and ensure the enforcement of these rights.
The amendment expands the rights of victims of crime, allowing them to be heard in various parts of criminal proceedings, including juvenile crimes. This means that victims will have a greater say in the legal process and can actively participate in seeking justice. It is important to note that the effectiveness of this amendment may depend on whether it is fully funded by the General Assembly, as a lack of funding could create implementation challenges.
The "Victims of Crime Protections" amendment is particularly significant as it recognizes the importance of empowering victims and ensuring their voices are heard throughout the criminal justice process. By establishing basic rights for victims and ensuring their enforcement, this amendment has the potential to improve the overall experience of victims within the criminal justice system and provide them with a sense of agency and closure.
While the amendment does not specify the exact rights that will be granted to victims, it is expected that these will include the right to be informed about the progress of the case, the right to be heard during proceedings, and the right to seek compensation or restitution. Furthermore, this amendment sends a strong message that the rights of victims are a priority and that their treatment within the criminal justice system should be respectful and dignified.
The inclusion of this amendment on the ballot reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect and support victims of crime. By voting on this amendment, North Carolina citizens have the opportunity to directly impact the rights and experiences of victims, potentially leading to a more compassionate and effective criminal justice system.
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Hunting, fishing, and wildlife harvesting rights
The North Carolina Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment was on the ballot in North Carolina as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 6, 2018. The ballot measure established a state constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife for the people of North Carolina. The measure also declared that hunting and fishing are the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife in North Carolina.
The amendment's backers say that the threat to hunting and fishing is not a legislature content to junk up the environment, but groups seeking to protect animals from cruel trapping methods and over-harvesting. The amendment was strongly supported by a wide range of in-state and national sportsmen's conservation organizations and businesses. The National Rifle Association also issued a statement in support of the amendment.
The text of the amendment reads:
> The right of the people to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife is a valued part of the State’s heritage and shall be forever preserved for the public good. The people have a right, including the right to use traditional methods, to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, subject only to laws enacted by the General Assembly and rules adopted pursuant to authority granted by the General Assembly to (i) promote wildlife conservation and management and (ii) preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Public hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. Nothing herein shall be construed to modify any provision of law relating to trespass, property rights, or eminent domain.
The amendment was approved by North Carolina voters.
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Judicial vacancy filling process
In North Carolina, voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would change the process of filling judicial vacancies. The current process gives the governor the sole power to appoint judges to fill vacant seats. The proposed amendment would introduce an independent commission to recommend names to fill a vacant seat. The commission would be composed of appointees from the judicial, executive, and legislative branches. The commission would then recommend at least two nominees to the governor, who would then appoint one of the nominees as the new judge. The governor would not have the power to veto the nominees.
This amendment is one of six constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot in North Carolina. The others include an amendment to require photo identification for voting, an amendment to reduce the income tax rate, an amendment to strengthen protections for victims of crime, an amendment protecting the right to hunt and fish, and an amendment to change the language around voting rights.
The "citizens-only voting" amendment has been particularly controversial. It would change the state constitution's current language on who can vote in elections. The proposed amendment reads: "Constitutional amendment to provide that only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State." While it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal or state elections, some argue that this amendment is unnecessary and will create confusion among immigrant voters who are legally allowed to vote. Others argue that it is needed to protect the integrity of elections.
The constitutional amendment process in North Carolina involves the General Assembly first passing a law by a three-fifths vote in both the House and the Senate. This law puts an amendment on a statewide election ballot on a specified date. When an amendment is put 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. On the ballot, voters will be able to vote "FOR" or "AGAINST" the amendment.
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Frequently asked questions
The constitutional amendment on the North Carolina ballot is the “citizens-only voting” amendment.
The amendment proposes to change the state constitution's current language on who can vote in elections.
The current entry in the North Carolina constitution says that voting is limited to "every person born in the United States and every other person who has been naturalized, 18 years of age".
The new language would read: "Constitutional amendment to provide that only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State".
Multiple advocacy groups and Democrats argue that the amendment is unnecessary and will create confusion among immigrant voters who are legally allowed to vote. They also argue that it perpetuates anti-immigration hate and racism.
