The North Carolina 2018 general election is on November 6, 2018. Midterm elections historically get lower turn out and coverage than Presidential election cycles, but this year’s elections are extremely important in determining the future of Congress and state government. AIGA Raleigh has compiled information and resources to help you get to the polls.
How to register to vote: The NC Board of Elections leads you through the voter registration process.
Find your polling place: Learn where you can vote this November.
Early voting: October 18-November 3
- When and where to early vote:
Why vote in midterm elections?
- Vote for the people who vote on legislation, cabinet appointments and Supreme Court justices at the federal and state levels.
- Vote for the people who have the power to check and balance the policies of the President.
- Vote for the people who create legislation and voting districts in North Carolina.
What are you voting for?
Ballots vary by county and voting district. Here is an overview of seats up for election:
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- 120 State House seats (these candidates will join the North Carolina General Assembly)
- 50 State Senate seats (these candidates will join the North Carolina General Assembly)
- 1 State Supreme Court seat
- Sheriff (select counties)
- Board of Commissioners (select counties)
- 13 U.S. House of Representative seats (these candidates will serve at the federal level in Congress)
AIGA Raleigh Amendment Stances
Our views reflect Democracy NC’s position, which can be read here.
1. Hunting and Fishing Amendment
A constitutional amendment that protects citizens’ rights to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife.
“Deceives voters into thinking their rights are under attack for the sole purpose of drawing certain voters to the polls.”
–Democracy NC
Our stance: Against.
2. Victims’ Rights Amendment
This amendment would strengthen protections for victims of crime by establishing and enforcing basic rights for victims.
“Would create a two-tiered system of justice that would benefit the rich and delay justice for everyone.”
–Democracy NC
Our stance: Against.
4. “Income Tax Cap”
An amendment to reduce the North Carolina income tax rate to a maximum of seven percent.
“This would limit the income tax to a level lower than the state’s wealthiest taxpayers paid before 2013. This proposal is a permanent tax shift to help the rich.”
–Democracy NC
Our stance: Against.
3. “Voter Restriction (Photo ID) Amendment”
This amendment would make it mandatory for voters to provide a photo ID before voting in 2019.
“Voters don’t know what kind of “photo ID” will be included. Current lawmakers will choose what “photo ID” is valid for N.C. voters after the Nov. election, without any details about whether there will be free IDs available, what exceptions may be put in place, or how voters will be educated about the new ID rule.”
–Democracy NC
Our stance: Against.
5. “Judicial Appointment Amendment”
This amendment would give the N.C. General Assembly more power in appointing Justices and judges when vacancies occur between judicial elections.
“This proposal would dramatically change the power legislators have to control who sits on our state courts, a slippery slope that amendment sponsors said could lead to voters losing the ability to elect judges altogether.”
–Democracy NC
Our stance: Against.
6. “Elections and Ethics Amendment”
This amendment would transfer power from the Governor to the NCGA to appoint boards and commissions, including the State Board of Elections.
“It is unnecessary — North Carolinians already have a 9-member, bipartisan state elections board, with one Unaffiliated member, four Democrats, and four Republicans.”
—Democracy NC
Our stance: Against.
Related news
Aug. 24 – Lawmakers call another special session on proposed amendments: “A three-judge panel said this week that the ballot descriptions, as currently worded, did not give voters a fair and nondiscriminatory explanation of the amendments, as state law requires.” (WRAL)
Aug. 27 – North Carolina’s gerrymandered map is unconstitutional, judges rule, and may have to be redrawn before midterms: “A panel of three federal judges held Monday that North Carolina’s congressional districts were unconstitutionally gerrymandered to favor Republicans over Democrats and said it may require new districts before the November elections, possibly affecting control of the House.” (Washington Post)
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