Ballot Decisions in Charlotte: Constitutional Amendment and $400 Million in Bond Referenda Await Voters

Ballot Items in Charlotte: What You Should Know

As we head into the 2024 general elections, Charlotte voters will encounter some important decisions on their ballots. Aside from the usual candidates vying for public office, residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposed constitutional amendment and several bonds aimed at improving our community. Let’s unpack what these items mean and how they could impact our beloved city!

Constitutional Amendment: What’s the Big Idea?

First up on the ballot is a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to clarify that “only a citizen of the United States” can vote in state and local elections. Now, hold on a second. While it may sound like a no-brainer, it’s critical to note that North Carolina’s constitution already explicitly states that “every person born in the United States and every person who has been naturalized” is eligible to vote. So, why is this amendment being proposed?

Some lawmakers argue that this change is essential due to a supposedly pressing need to protect our elections from noncitizen voting. They paint a picture that millions of undocumented immigrants might threaten our electoral integrity, and there’s been quite the campaign behind these claims. However, it’s vital to note that between 2015 and 2022, the North Carolina State Board of Elections referred only eight cases of suspected noncitizen voting to prosecutors. That’s a minuscule fraction compared to the millions of votes cast during that timeframe.

This amendment’s language is a bit fuzzy, too. It defines a voter as “only a citizen… who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting” but doesn’t explicitly outline what “citizen” means or detail the qualifications needed. This ambiguity could lead to confusion and misinterpretations, which is something nobody wants when looking to secure our democratic process.

Vote NO on the Amendment

Given the already clear laws in our state and the lack of evidence supporting the need for this amendment, we recommend voting NO on this measure. Not only is it unnecessary, but it could also potentially plant seeds of doubt regarding the integrity of our elections, which is quite dangerous.

Bond Referenda: Investing in Our Community

Now let’s shift gears and talk about the three bond referenda that will also be on the ballot this year. These bonds, which total around $400 million, are broken down into three essential categories that cater directly to the needs of our rapidly growing city.

• Transportation: Approximately $238.3 million has been earmarked for crucial projects like sidewalks, road improvements, and efforts to make our streets safer through the Vision Zero initiative, aiming to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and severe injuries by 2030.
• Housing: With $100 million dedicated to affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, this investment aims to ensure that every Charlottean has a place to call home.
• Neighborhood Improvements: The final $61.57 million will focus on enhancing neighborhood infrastructure and investing in the city’s “Corridors of Opportunity,” specifically targeting those underserved areas that could use a lift.

It might seem like these bonds roll around every election cycle, but there’s a reason for that—they’re necessary. As more people call Charlotte home, addressing these community needs won’t just help keep our city vibrant; it will also allow us to build a future that everyone can enjoy.

Vote YES on the Bonds

We recommend voting YES on all three bond packages. Supporting these initiatives not only meets immediate needs but also showcases our commitment to fostering a better Charlotte for everyone.

Last Thoughts

As we gear up to make these critical choices at the polls, remember that your vote carries weight. Whether you’re tackling the constitutional amendment or considering the impact of the bond referenda, informed decisions help shape the future of our community. Happy voting!