This explainer presents both sides based on the measure's text. It does not recommend a vote.
Plain English Summary
This amendment would change North Carolina's constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote in elections. Currently, the constitution says 'every person born in the United States' and naturalized citizens can vote, but this would simplify it to 'only citizens of the United States.'
If YES
The state constitution would explicitly restrict voting to U.S. citizens only
confidence: high
Language in the constitution would be simplified and clarified regarding voter eligibility
confidence: high
Any future attempts to allow non-citizen voting would require another constitutional amendment
confidence: high
Supporters believe this provides additional protection against non-citizen voting
confidence: medium
If NO
The current constitutional language about voter eligibility would remain unchanged
confidence: high
Existing voting restrictions would continue under current law
confidence: high
No additional constitutional barriers to potential future voting law changes would be created
confidence: high
The legislature would retain more flexibility in defining voter eligibility within current constitutional bounds
confidence: medium
Financial impact
Fiscal impact analysis not yet available. Constitutional language changes typically have minimal direct fiscal impact.
TL;DR
This amendment would change the state constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote in North Carolina elections.
Limitations
Based on measure title only — full text analysis may reveal additional details