North Carolina’s Ballot Measures: What Am I Voting for?

The classic “I Voted” stickers spread across a white background. Heading into senior year, many of Watauga’s own students will be eligible to vote. Understanding each part of the ballot is key to using the vote to its fullest extent. 

Photo Credits: Unsplash

Isaac James, Community Desk Lead for The Powderhorn

As a state, North Carolina does not practice initiatives or referenda, instead utilizing ballot measures proposed by the legislature to introduce or make amendments to the state constitution and statutes. In this year’s midterm elections, North Carolinians may choose to vote for or against three distinct measures regarding property taxes, income taxes, and Voter ID.

This election also represents the first opportunity for many of Watauga’s own seniors to use their elective franchise. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, voters young and old from around Watauga County will have the opportunity to exercise their civic duty. Given the influx of new, young voters, understanding North Carolina’s ballot measures is key.

The proposed ballot measures, as they appear on the ticket, are as follows: “Property Tax Levy Limit Amendment,” “Reduce Income Tax Rate Cap from 7% to 3.5% Amendment,” and “Require Voter Identification Amendment.” To the uninformed voter, these might seem confusing or unimportant, but understanding these measures and their implications is vital.

“There are consequences to these amendments that need to be carefully considered,” said Emily Bish, chair of the Watauga County Democratic Party. “WCDP hopes that all voters will think about the downside to limiting voter rights and the ability of our state and local governments to

handle basic needs, disasters, and other situations without over burdening those who

can least afford it.” 

The Voter ID amendment, in particular, is a source of controversy for numerous reasons. Given existing state laws, some view the measure as redundant.

“WCDP believes this amendment is unnecessary as there is already a state law requiring voter ID for all types of voting both in person and by mail/absentee,” said Bish. “There is no need to add this to our state constitution and doing so will prevent future changes without another constitutional amendment.”

The Watauga County Democratic Party is concerned that the measure may further cement the already-existing concerns for the ability of Watauga’s more underserved communities to exercise their right to vote. 

“ID is already a requirement, but will this amendment allow for exceptions as the current law does?,” said Bish. “WCDP sees this amendment as potentially affecting the elderly, the military, and lower income citizens with no access to print an ID the most. Putting this in the constitution prevents the NC General Assembly from changing laws that need to be changed to meet the times and voters’ needs.”

While the issue of Voter ID is a contentious one, much of the political pushback on ballot measures has been related to the tax proposals. The reduction of North Carolina’s income tax cap has been a major source of debate, raising questions about its potential impact on state funding. 

“Reducing taxes levied does not reduce the need for funds for schools, roads, police and all other government functions,” said Bish. “In limiting the amount of tax dollars from all income groups and corporations, there will need to be fees charged and/or raised on services, sales tax, etc. to cover shortfalls. These fees will only hurt lower and middle income families.”

Even more than the income tax cap, many of the community at large’s concerns regarding this election’s ballot measures center around the proposed property tax limits. Bish, the WCDP, and other local politicians argue that these measures may compromise local authority over county funds. 

“This amendment only gives the NC General Assembly yet more power locally which

should be left to local control,” said Bish. “It is a bad idea to give people in Raleigh, who know

nothing about Watauga County, the authority over our property tax rates and budgets. It

will not be good for any County Commission regardless of the party that’s in control.”

We reached out to the Watauga County Republican Party with the same questions we posed to the Watauga County Democratic Party and with the same deadline for responses. While the local Republican Party indicated they would respond to our questions twice, we did not receive those answers from them by the agreed deadline. If we hear from them, we will update this article.

While these property tax limitations raise concerns for Watauga County, they could be a more pressing and severe impediment to Ashe County’s ability to meet budgetary needs. Ashe County Manager Adam Stumb noted the effects this measure might have on county services. 

“Specific to the property tax measure, this could affect our ability to provide local services like education, law enforcement, ambulance, and animal control,” said Stumb. “Our residents expect these services and expect us to find a way to pay for them, but the measure could limit our primary source of revenue.”

While these effects would be a detriment to Ashe County’s funds and capabilities, Stumb noted the importance of understanding the nuances and specifics of what the measure does. 

“It is important to understand that the measure does not actually set any limits,” said Stumb. “It just requires the General Assembly to enact legislation that establishes limits.” 

With that stipulation in mind, if said limits were to be enacted based on the proposed legislation, the effects would be significant. However, there is ambiguity as to what the actual law might be. 

“If the measure passes, the legislators could put limits on property taxes based on inflation, population growth, assessed value, a fixed percentage or some combination,” said Stumb. “Not knowing what the eventual law will say brings a lot of uncertainty to our budgeting process. Our budget is not immune to inflation, and we see it every year in increase to wages, health care and fuel.” 

Likelihood points towards the measure passing, in which case Ashe County will prioritize minimizing the negative impact it may have on the community. 

“Odds are the measure will pass. I believe polls now show a 67-72% chance it will pass,” said Stumb. “If it does, we will work with our elected officials in the state house, Senator Hise and Rep. Pickett, and the NC Association of County Commissioners to help guide the eventual legislation. Hopefully, we can come together around legislation that allows us to account for growth, emergencies and large projects.”

For many, the ballot measures may be a source of confusion and debate. In light of this confusion, civic engagement and awareness on how different measures might affect different communities are key. For Stumb and Ashe County, though, the emphasis will be on finding fundraising alternatives to the property tax. 

“To be optimistic, I think it is good to shine a light on local issues and for the public to hear how these services are provided and paid for,” said Stumb. “At the end of the day, our residents may decide they want the same level of services. With limits on property taxes, this means that we'll have to find new ways to support these services through grants or fees for services.”