In a poll conducted this spring by Carolina Leadership Coalition we asked North Carolina voters what they thought about three potential amendments to the state constitution. Voters were overwhelmingly in favor of limits on property taxes, to strengthening Voter ID, and lowering the cap on income tax rate to 5%.

Property Taxes

Voters were in favor of an amendment that requires limits on property tax increases by local governments by a margin of 72% in favor to 21% opposed. Overall 52% of respondents said they were definitely in favor.

During the interim the House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction & Reform advanced a proposed constitutional amendment.

In a press release after the proposal passed the Select Committee, Speaker Destin Hall said, “Property tax hikes are overburdening North Carolina families, who are footing the bill while some local governments take in far more than inflation and population growth can justify. I applaud the House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform for pursuing real reforms like the constitutional amendment on levy limits, which would ease this burden so North Carolinians can keep more of their hard-earned money.”

Strengthening Voter ID

Respondents also showed support for an amendment that would require all voters to present photo ID before voting, not just those voting in person, with 63% in favor and 34% opposed. 52% of respondents were definitely in favor.

Lowering the Maximum State Income Tax Rate

74% of respondents supported lowering the maximum income tax rate to 5%, with 19% overall opposing it. 50% of the total respondents said they were definitely in favor.

In 2018 North Carolina voters passed a referendum to lower the constitutional limit on maximum income tax rate from 10% to 7%. 

In 2018 North Carolina’s personal income tax rate was 5.499%, with a drop to 5.25% effective January 1st, 2019. Eight years later North Carolina’s income tax rate is at a record low of 3.99%.