Review Sample Ballot to be an Informed Voter

 By: Mildred Robertson

Voters nationwide will soon head to the polls to cast their ballots in the 2026 election. The choice between Republicans and Democrats is relatively clear-cut.  Most voters have already decided whether they favor a Blue Wave or prefer to maintain the status quo.

North Carolina is a battle ground state that will likely flip to blue this election cycle, as Democratic Senatorial Candidate Roy Cooper, faces off against Trump endorsed Michal Whatley, his Republican opponent.  High voter turnout is expected in this hotly contested race and will likely draw voters highly motivated by the top of the ticket. But that doesn’t mean they will come to polls informed about other ballot issues. Many have not considered their votes in non-partisan elections or referenda and city and county bonds; issues that impact their daily lives.

In North Carolina’s Wake County there are several issues voters need to be prepared to address when they enter the voting booth. For instance, there are 3 amendments in this election cycle that many will not consider until they flip over the ballot and read them for the first time.

The constitutional amendments on the Wake County Ballot that may be confusing for the electorate. At first glance, the issues may appear clear cut.  But a “yes vote” may miss some nuances that may not be readily identified by some voters.  For instance, North Carolina already requires voter ID to participate in the election. According to BALLOTPEDIA, a search encyclopedia of American Politics:

“As of 2024, state law required individuals using mail-in absentee ballots to include a photocopy of identification. State law provided for an ID exception form if the voter could not present ID, providing a reason such as the ID being lost or stolen, lack of transportation, disability or illness, religious reasons, experiencing a natural disaster within 100 days before the election, and more. For mail voters unable to attach a photocopy, the voter's driver's license number or last four digits of social security number could be substituted.”

The Constitutional Amendment would require the photo ID of all voters. Simply providing a driver’s license number or the last four digits of the SSI would no longer be sufficient.

Opponents say this measure is designed to disenfranchise voters by mail; making it more difficult for students, older people and people with disabilities to vote by mail in North Carolina. Republican proponents insist it is a commonsense security measure.

Another ballot measure is a constitutional amendment to keep the State income tax rate from being raised higher than three and one-half percent (3.5%).  This measure would permanently cap the rate at 3.5%, although North Carolina legislators passed a budget in July that already scheduled a drop from 3.99% to 3.49% effective 2027 -2029.

While this proposal may sound attractive to many voters, Democrats worry that the cap is unnecessary at this time and could limit the ability of the government to levy taxes, even when essential services are threatened without additional funding. Issues that might trigger the need for increased revenue include the need to fund government services to accommodate population growth.

Similarly, A constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increase by local governments could hamstring communities by a one-size-fits all solution. Rep. Maria Cervania, a Wake County Democrat and former County Commissioner says that “Bertie County is not Mecklenburg County,” and that it is dangerous to set limits that may stifle tax revenue growth for some local governments with differing needs.

While voters are focused on national issues, such as the makeup of Congress, and which party controls the state houses across America, local issues such as the state constitutional amendments and school bonds deserve just as intense a look as do these state-wide elections.

So, review your sample ballot. Examine the amendments and bonds and familiarize yourself with nonpartisan candidates on your ballot so you can make an informed decision about who will be governing your community. It is your community; make sure your choices are heard.

Inform yourself and then vote THE ENTIRE ballot.