North Carolina votes in November on citizen voting amendment

In November 2024, residents of North Carolina will vote on an amendment aimed at clarifying voting requirements within the state. This amendment, known as the "Citizen Only Voting" amendment, is designed to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens who are 18 years and meet specific qualifications are entitled to vote in state elections. The proposed change comes amid ongoing concerns regarding non-citizens and voting practices across various states. North Carolina's existing constitutional language permits citizens to vote but does not clearly delineate citizenship as a voting requirement, prompting lawmakers to propose this amendment. State Senator Brad Overcash has voiced support for the amendment, suggesting it serves as a defense against perceived threats from left-leaning states regarding voting rights of non-citizens. The proposal arises in a context where North Carolina’s State Board of Elections has carried out extensive maintenance of voter rolls, removing hundreds of thousands of registrants—some identified as foreign nationals—over the past year. This maintenance is a measure to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing election integrity and voter eligibility. As the election date approaches, there are indications of strong early voting trends, particularly among Republican voters. The discussion surrounding this amendment underscores a broader national dialogue regarding election security and the integrity of voting processes, particularly in light of legislative actions in other states aimed at defining citizenship requirements for electoral participation.