In North Carolina, roughly two weeks into early midterm voting, turnout so far is roughly 5% higher than at the same point in 2022. Some Triad voters have been motivated to go to the polls by the state constitutional amendments on the ballot.
At the Miller Park Community Center polling place in Winston-Salem, the three ballot measures are top of mind for several voters. One amendment limits the amount that property taxes can be raised by local governments.
That’s music to the ears of Susan Fox.
"I think that would be great to put a cap on it," she says.
Edie McBurney agrees.
"As a senior, it’s making fixed-income people have to put any raises that they get of any kind go into property taxes," says McBurney.
Another amendment cuts the maximum allowable state income tax rate in half from 7% to 3.5%. Ray Miller is against both tax reduction measures.
"I’m not going to vote for those because they’re not going to benefit me; they’re going to benefit the wealthy," he says.
The third amendment requires photo I.D. to vote, in person or not. It’s a “Yes” for Susan Fox.
"The Voter I.D., I think we absolutely need voter I.D.," she says.
Sandra Nelson takes a more cautious view.
"We do need to be able to identify, but at the same time we don’t want to hinder anyone from participating," says Nelson.
Sharon Langley is more skeptical.
"Because it does change the constitution, I am concerned about how that may impact the future," she says.
And when it comes to additional identification, John Nelson questions the need.
"'Cause we’ve been showing I.D.s all the time," he says. "So, why do we have to have something new for it?"
In-person early voting continues through October 31 at 3 p.m. Election day is November 3.