Why vote AGAINST the 3 proposed constitutional amendments?
Changing NC’s Constitution requires (1) a 60% supermajority vote in both the NC House and the NC Senate, and then (2) majority approval by voters in a statewide election. An amendment passed in 2026 will be difficult to change later if the law doesn’t meet future needs or causes bad outcomes.
Two proposed amendments limit taxation; on the surface, that may sound good in a time of rising living costs. But we’re concerned that forever capping the income tax rate at 3.5% will hamstring NC in the event of a financial emergency, causing statewide and local critical services cuts.
We think property tax caps are giveaways to out-of-state institutional landlords and commercial real estate interests. Also, capping local government’s ability to set its own property tax rates means that politicians who don’t answer to local voters can set limits on amounts available for local public schools, roads, and emergency services.
Requiring all voters – not just those who vote in person – to present photo ID before voting may sound like common sense. In practice, it will permanently burden those who vote by mail, requiring extra steps such as physical photocopies or exception forms. These rules make it harder for seniors and others without access to copiers and disabled persons without ready access to acceptable ID.
Why vote FOR City of Greensboro parks and recreation, firefighting facilities, transportation, municipal building, and housing bonds?
If voters approve all 5 bonds, an estimated annual property tax increase of $10 for each $100,000 of property tax value could result. Widespread pain caused by inflation and persistently higher costs is real, raising concerns about the bonds’ timing. But not making proposed increased investments in affordable housing, neighborhood parks, emergency response, and other city infrastructure defers and increases future costs and undermines livability goals key to growing our city’s tax base.
Why vote FOR a 0.25% increase to Guilford County’s local sales/use tax?
Guilford County’s sales/use tax is now 6.75%. A 0.25% increase will raise revenue for public school teachers, rural fire departments, GTCC, and local municipalities. Importantly, it can ease pressure on property tax as a revenue source. NC has 100 counties; 46 of those have a sales/use tax of 7%, including adjoining Forsyth, Randolph, and Rockingham counties. Mecklenburg’s rate is 8.25%; Wake’s is 7.25%. Sales/use taxes are not paid on groceries, prescriptions, or gasoline. We believe that a 0.25% sales/use tax increase is an effective tool to broaden Guilford County’s revenue base.