Three Amendments--Yes or No

                                                          

 Early voting begins today! John and I will be there--voting a straight Democratic ticket. As far as I'm concerned, the GOP has lost all credibility with their blind allegiance to the deteriorating DJT, the war in Iran, their support for the ICE thugs, their disregard for affordability, and oh, so many more things.

The three proposed amendments to the state institution sound good--at first. But a closer examination reveals problems. The first two mainly benefit the wealthy. And the third works to disenfranchise many. This below is from the League of Women Voters of NC -- a traditionally non-partisan organization.

I'll be voting against these amendments.

Why the League Opposes the Amendments

The League of Women Voters of North Carolina believes constitutional amendments deserve particularly careful scrutiny because they establish durable limits and requirements that are more difficult to change than ordinary laws. These policy decisions are better addressed through legislation, where elected officials can respond to changing circumstances and voters can hold them accountable.

LWVNC opposes the income-tax amendment because current law already keeps the individual income-tax rate below the proposed 3.5% cap, and the amendment itself would not lower current taxes. Placing the cap in the Constitution would limit the ability of future elected leaders to respond to changing economic conditions and state needs.

LWVNC opposes the property-tax levy amendment because it would shift greater authority over local funding decisions to the state while leaving the actual limits, formulas and possible exceptions to future legislation. The League is concerned that restricting local property-tax revenue could affect funding for public education, elections and other local services and/or increase reliance on fees.

LWVNC opposes the photo ID amendment because state law already requires identification for absentee voting and provides for voters who cannot reasonably provide ID. The proposed amendment would place the requirement that all voters present photo identification into the State Constitution without protecting those existing safeguards. The League is concerned that this could create additional barriers for military, student, rural, and older voters.