What does the constitutional amendment mean on the ballot?

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – While the race for president and governor may be getting the most attention right now, there is one issue at the end of voting that has some voters torn and confused.

The referendum reads: “Constitutional amendment to provide that only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise qualified to vote shall have the right to vote in any election in this state.”

Then there are options to vote for or against.

The ballot amendment comes from lawmakers in the state House and Senate, but has caused some confusion. It is already illegal to vote in the state if you are not a citizen or under 18 years old. Some wonder why they are voting on something that is already considered law.

The key to the constitutional amendment is that it would change the wording of what is already in the constitution. The state constitution currently reads: “Every person born in the United States and every person who is naturalized, is 18 years of age, and possesses the qualifications set forth in this article, shall have the right to vote in any election by the people of the United States. unless otherwise stated herein.”

The constitutional amendment would delete the word “naturalized,” even though people who become naturalized are considered citizens. Some in the Democratic party say the amendment’s language encourages anti-immigrant rhetoric and encourages people to vote against it.

Jill Hopman, chair of the New Hanover County Democratic Party, sent us the following statement:

“The Democratic Party of New Hanover County opposes the proposed constitutional amendment and strongly urges the public to vote against it. This is ambiguous, unnecessary and dangerous Republican fear-mongering disguised as policy. To be clear, it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote. Instead, this amendment could limit the constitutional rights of naturalized citizens, redefine “voting qualifications,” and spread misinformation about the fairness and security behind our elections. Voter fraud, especially by undocumented immigrants, is a myth, as countless studies have proven. Republicans must stop creating fake problems and instead tackle the litany of real problems that do exist, like affordable housing, public education and climate change.”

Meanwhile, New Hanover County Republican Party Chairman Nevin Carr III told WECT he couldn’t believe the amendment was controversial. The Republican Party encourages voters to vote in favor.

“I hear the Democratic Party is against this referendum? Incredible. You’d think we could at least agree that strengthening voter protections for American citizens is a good thing. On the other hand, if you’re on a mission to fundamentally transform this country, I think you have to fundamentally transform the electorate. For years, Democrats have funneled millions of unvetted migrants into our communities, and now they’re telling us why.”

That measure will be at the very end of your ballot. We will have the latest on the referendum on election night, November 5, on WECT News.