WBTV

North Carolina voters approved all three constitutional amendments on the ballot, each passing by roughly 60% or more. The income tax amendment caps the state rate at 3.5%, replacing the 7% ceiling set in 2018; the current flat rate of 3.99% is already set to decline. Republican sponsors say the cap locks in tax cuts, while Democratic Gov. Josh Stein called it a "millionaire protection cap" shifting costs to ordinary residents.

A property tax amendment also passed, directing the legislature to later set limits on annual local tax revenue growth; details of the cap remain to be written. A third amendment extends the existing photo ID requirement to all forms of voting, including mail-in ballots. Critics warn the property tax limit could squeeze county budgets funding services like healthcare and law enforcement.

Polls are open across North Carolina for the 2026 midterm election, with Republicans seeking to hold their U.S. House and Senate majorities and Democrats aiming to flip GOP-held seats. Voting runs from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The marquee contest is the open Senate seat held by retiring Republican Thom Tillis, pitting Democrat Roy Cooper, who has led in pre-election polling, against Republican Michael Whatley; a Cooper win would be a significant step toward a Democratic Senate majority. The 11th Congressional District race between Democrat Jamie Ager and Republican Jennifer Balkcom, for the seat vacated by Chuck Edwards, could also help determine House control. Early voting set records statewide, and results are being tracked live as polls close.

Alongside candidate races, North Carolina voters are deciding three constitutional amendments. One would extend the state's existing in-person photo voter ID requirement to absentee-by-mail ballots, building on a 2018 amendment that survived years of litigation before the state Supreme Court upheld it in 2023. A second would cap the state income tax rate at 3.5%, below the current 3.99% flat rate. A third would limit how much local governments can raise property taxes annually. Polling shows strong public support for all three measures, though critics warn the tax caps could constrain future lawmakers and local governments during downturns. None of the changes take effect immediately after Election Day.

Charlotte voters will weigh in on Election Day, Nov. 3, on three separate bond measures totaling $425 million: $280 million for transportation improvements, $125 million for affordable housing, and $20 million for neighborhood projects. The bonds would be funded by investors and repaid by the city with interest, requiring voter approval since public funds service the debt. Mayor Robert Harrington said the borrowing lets the city accelerate projects rather than wait for cash reserves to build, citing Charlotte's top bond rating. He said the housing funds would support developers building affordable units and rent assistance, though he does not expect rents to drop. Harrington maintained the bonds will not require a tax increase.