North Carolina
NC lawmakers consider constitutional amendments to boost turnout in midterms
Jamie Ager interview after Fairview campaign rally
Democratic congressional candidate Jamie Ager spoke with the Asheville Citizen Times following a campaign rally in Fairview on May 18, 2026, after former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed supporters ahead of the 2026 election.
How do you get Republican voters to the polls in a difficult political climate? Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are hoping a slate of up to seven constitutional amendments might do the trick.
Multiple polls nationally and in North Carolina show low enthusiasm among Republican voters, President Donald Trump’s approval rating sagging, and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot widening their leads over GOP rivals as the midterm election approaches.
“They’re probably seeing the winds of the political mood of the state against them,” said political scientist Michael Bitzer, director of the Center for Politics and Public Service at Catawba College. “The standard is that registered Republicans always overperform in terms of turnout, and they will need that historic turnout advantage to blunt what is obvious in the mood of the state and the country against the Republican party.”
In 2018, when a similar set of circumstances led Republicans to put six constitutional amendments on the ballot designed to appeal to conservatives, including a 7% income tax cap, photo voter ID, and a constitutional right to hunt. Four passed and two didn’t.
State House and Senate Republicans still lost their supermajorities, but the blue wave could have been worse than it was, said Bitzer. “Ours was fairly muted in comparison to what the national and other state dynamics were like.”
Eight years later, North Carolina Republicans are returning to the 2018 playbook, loading up the 2026 general election ballot with a raft of similar proposals aimed at boosting conservative turnout.
One constitutional amendment has already been approved for the November ballot — a provision that would require mail-in voters to include photo identification with their ballot. It’s already state law, but this would add it to the constitution. That was passed at the end of 2024.
As of May 19, 2026, there are six others under consideration. All six were heard in committees within a 24-hour span. And more could be filed at any time because constitutional amendments are exempt from rules that limit the bills legislators can consider during the short session.
Two proposals would limit taxes. Senate Bill 1080 would lower the state’s constitutional cap on the income tax rate from 7% to 3.5%. The state’s income tax rate is already slated to drop to 3.49% in 2027, so it wouldn’t actually lead to lower taxes, but it would keep state lawmakers in the future from raising it again without first getting voters to approve it.
The second, House Bill 1089, would require lawmakers to “enact a property tax levy limit” to rein in county governments’ ability to raise property tax rates. However, it lacks specifics about what the limit might be.
Two other proposals would put existing state laws in the state constitution. Senate Bill 1081 would create a constitutional right to “engage in farming and forestry.” The right to farm was written into state law in 1979. Senate Bill 1082 would enshrine the state’s 1947 right to work law. In committee hearings Monday, the sponsors of those bills were unable to come up with any actual threats to the existing laws.
The final two would further limit the governor’s appointment powers. House Bill 144 would allow voters, rather than the governor, to select the members of the State Board of Education. They would be elected from 14 districts, likely to be the same as the congressional districts, with the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction becoming the board chair.
House Bill 443 would spell out the process by which the governor can replace an elected member of the Council of State in case of a vacancy. The party of the departing official would nominate three potential replacements, and the governor would select one.
Bitzer told NC Newsline some of these are likely policy priorities that Republican leaders want to accomplish now in case they lose control of one or both legislative chambers in November. Constitutional amendments are not subject to the governor’s veto.
When it comes to enacting conservative policy objectives, “the most stable and hardest to change is a constitutional amendment,” he said.
Constitutional amendments require a vote of three-fifths in the House and Senate. Senate Republicans hold the 30 seats they will need to approve any amendment favored by the leadership, assuming they’re all present on the same day.
House Republicans are one vote shy of the 72 votes they need, but have proven themselves adept at finding votes across the aisle. Former Mecklenburg Democrats Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed have left their party and are now unaffiliated. And with the state budget still under negotiation, the $2 billion surplus this year could give Republican leaders more room to trade a project earmark for a Democratic vote.
Once they reach the ballot, amendments need only a simple majority to become law. The income tax cap amendment on the ballot in 2018 passed with 57% support, reflecting some crossover support among Democrats, Bitzer said. The same could be true in 2026.
“The tax issues — the property tax, the income tax — hearing those as limitations or caps, I think, will resonate with the public initially,” Bitzer said. “How the fight over that is framed will be, I think, a crucial voter education piece.”
While critics of the proposals have accused Republicans of turning the constitution into a “political tool” to boost their electoral prospects, Bitzer sees it as along the same lines as the extreme partisan gerrymandering — “gerrymaxxing,” he calls it — throughout the South.
“We’re taking politics and moving it to the extremes, so why not make constitutions into political tools in this hyper-polarized environment?” Bitzer said. “Welcome to North Carolina in 2026.”
Laura Leslie is an award-winning journalist and analyst who’s covered North Carolina state politics for 22 years. Before coming to NC Newsline, she served as capitol bureau chief for WRAL-TV in Raleigh and WUNC/NC Public Radio. She also wrote the award-winning political blog Isaac Hunter’s Tavern.
NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
North Carolina
NC appeals board to review disqualification that cost track team a state championship
A state-run appeals board is reviewing a call by an official that cost a Charlotte high school the state track and field championship last weekend.
A three-member panel appointed from members of the North Carolina State Board of Education’s Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board will review the disqualification of Mallard Creek High School, which has drawn national attention. The state legislature created the appeals board in 2023 as part of a broader reshaping of high school athletics administration.
The appeals board is appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, an elected official. A spokesperson for the Department’s Office of Athletics told WRAL News that they will issue a decision within 30 days.
“This process is intended to provide a fair opportunity for a thorough review of the officiating decision,” the North Carolina High School Athletic Association said in a statement Tuesday morning. “Following the established appeals process outlined in the NCHSAA Handbook and state procedures, Mallard Creek High School has exercised its right to such an appeal through the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The NCHSAA respects the right of member schools to utilize that process and appreciates the importance of ensuring all concerns are heard through the appropriate review structure.“
The appeals board is composed of retired professional educators with experience overseeing high school athletics programs, including former superintendents and athletic directors. The panel for this appeal has not yet been finalized.
The board is now tasked with making a determination about the events that took place Saturday at the 8A state track championship in Greensboro.
Mallard Creek boys track and field athlete Nyan Brown held his hand up in celebration as he prepared to cross the finish line to win the 4×400-meter relay, the meet’s final event. An official near the finish line deemed the action a disqualifier, calling it unsportsmanlike behavior.
In 2025, Brown won the 4A Indoor Track and Field Farm Bureau Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes “players who have demonstrated the ideals of outstanding character and sportsmanship throughout the 2024-25 season.”
Without the points from the final relay, the Mallard Creek boys track and field team finished second. Durham’s Jordan High School won the title.
Mallard Creek head coach Samuel Willoughby said that Brown held up his hand to indicate what would’ve been Mallard Creek’s fifth overall state championship in boys track and field.
“After the 4×400 relay, we were so excited because we knew going in that we could win the state championship if we got the points we needed in the relay,” Mallard Creek head coach Samuel Willoughby said. “So, we just were thrilled that it happened and the way it happened and to end in good fashion with our ace, Nyan, at the anchor.
“So, it was a great feeling to see it actually happen, but then, once I saw the official threw the flag up, I just couldn’t believe it. I was in disbelief.”
Coaches and athletes are expected to show “good sportsmanship” and competitors who engage in taunting, profanity, baton throwing and refuse to follow the instructions of meet officials can be disqualified from the event or the meet, according to meet information. The same rule sheet also says “showboating” will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification. Those terms are not described further in the rules.
Willoughby said he knew the flag was against his team. He said he also got called into the infield on Saturday for the disqualification of another runner.
“I was in the infield more than I needed to be,” Willoughby said. “So, when I saw the flag, I was like, ‘Here we go again.’”
The officials said Mallard Creek received a warning for taunting after Brown won the 300-meter hurdles earlier in the day, setting a state record. Brown appeared to briefly flex toward photographers after winning the race, according to video from the meet. Mallard Creek disputed claims that they were given an initial warning.
“[There are] claims that she gave Nyan a warning beforehand, but that never happened,” Willoughby said. “She said that she gave him a warning to justify the flag that she gave at the end.”
Willoughby said he spoke with Brown and asked him to speak with the official.
“When did we have this conversation of you warning me?” Willoughby said. “And, it never happened. The only thing she said was, “Yeah, I spoke to him. I spoke to him.’
“It became my word against hers.”
The disqualification has attracted intense interest on social media with former players, track athletes and commentators weighing in on the issue.
Watch: Mallard Creek track coach discusses disqualification: ‘I was in disbelief’
On Tuesday morning, the NCHSAA released a new statement as backlash over the call against Brown has continued to mount. The association confirmed the start of the larger appeal process and said it would not comment as the process is in motion.
“Over the past several days, the conclusion of the 8A Men’s Track and Field Championship has generated significant discussion across North Carolina and beyond. The NCHSAA recognizes and understands there is deep disappointment experienced by the student-athletes, coaches, and the school community involved. “As previously stated, officiating decisions made during competition are judgment calls administered by certified meet officials under NFHS playing rules and NCHSAA rules relative to unsporting behavior and actions, and are considered final decisions. The Association appreciates the efforts of the officials who are tasked with applying and enforcing those rules during our championship events. “Under state law, an aggrieved party may challenge the decision of an official that results in disqualification by appealing to an independent appeals board appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. This process is intended to provide a fair opportunity for a thorough review of the officiating decision. Following the established appeals process outlined in the NCHSAA Handbook and state procedures, Mallard Creek High School has exercised its right to such an appeal through the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The NCHSAA respects the right of member schools to utilize that process and appreciates the importance of ensuring all concerns are heard through the appropriate review structure.
“Because that process is underway, the NCHSAA will not provide further public comment regarding the specifics of the matter.”
Watch: North Carolina high school runner’s raised hand costs team state track and field title
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Director Brad Alford also released a statement on Tuesday.
“The Independent Interscholastic Athletics Appeals Board has received an appeal from Mallard Creek High School regarding a ruling at the State Track & Field Meet,” Alford wrote. “State Board of Education Policy ATHL-013 outlines a detailed process for reviewing appeals of decisions by an athletics rule administrator, in this case the NCHSAA.
“The Appeals Board is currently reviewing the appeal and will issue a decision within 30 days. Since the appeal remains pending before the Appeals Board, we are unable to comment further on the case at this time.”
A spokesperson for the Department’s Office of Athletics tells WRAL News that they will issue a decision within 30 days.
At this point, the three-member appeals panel hasn’t been selected.
As this is not a time-sensitive case, with the season concluded, the review process could take time to complete.
According to Alford, the appeals board is made up of retired professional educators with experience overseeing high school athletics programs, including former superintendents and athletic directors. Appeals are heard by three-member panels, but the panel for this particular appeal has not yet been finalized.
Note: HighSchoolOT Managing Editor Joel Bryant and WRAL anchor/reporter Ashley Rowe contributed to this story.
SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — After more than a year and a half spent living in the aftermath of what Hurricane Helene took from him, one Marine Corps veteran has finally stepped into his new home.
During the storm, a tree fell on the home of local veteran Billy Ricketts III, and he had been living in a camper on his property ever since. On Monday, May 18, Purple Heart Homes and Valley Strong Disaster Relief dedicated a new home to him.
Purple Heart Homes, Inc. has helped over 4,000 veterans all across the country. The nonprofit organization serves veterans with critical home repairs, building ramps, HVAC systems and building modular homes to give to veterans.
‘YOU JUST HAVE TO FIX IT’: CANTON FAMILY RETURNS HOME 19 MONTHS AFTER HELENE
Leah Gutierrez, director of program services for Purple Heart Homes, said the organization wanted to send homes to western North Carolinian veterans impacted by Helene. The nonprofit partnered with Valley Strong Disaster Relief to meet Ricketts and get him the help he needed.
“He was a little hesitant at first, you know, most veterans are because some feel that they’re not as deserving or that someone else deserves it more than them,” Gutierrez said.
But on Monday, it felt surreal.
19 MONTHS LATER, HELENE RECOVERY IN MADISON COUNTY IS FAR FROM OVER
“[I’m] just blessed and thankful for my community,” Ricketts said. “Means a lot, coming home and seeing members of the community are pitching in to help one another.”
“For him to be able to transition from that to a stable home, I mean, our logo is ‘Healing Hearts One Home at a Time,’ and so if we’re able to do that for each veteran, then we’ve done our mission,” Gutierrez said.
Ricketts said he is looking forward to some peace and quiet as the new home represents the next chapter of his life.
With North Carolina’s activity in the transfer portal and recruiting pool coming to a close, although there are a couple of players to keep tabs on in the coming days, it is time to start evaluating how next season could look in Chapel Hill.
Big picture, 2026 is about head coach Michael Malone establishing a foundational culture for multiple years. Tar Heel fans are going to expect nothing less than a deep tournament run, but North Carolina needs to take the required baby steps. Coming off a second consecutive first-round exit, the Tar Heels need to at least win one game in the NCAA Tournament, but even then, their fans will not be satisfied if they fail to advance past the first weekend.
If North Carolina wants to be in the best position possible in the revamped 76-team field, winning as many games in conference play and orchestrating a formidable run in the ACC tournament will go a long way in setting itself up nicely for a potential run in March. With that being said, here are the Tar Heels’ ceiling and floor in the ACC next season.
Ceiling: Third Place
It is tough to imagine North Carolina cracking the top-two threshold in the conference, with Duke and Louisville as the clear top ACC teams. While the Blue Devils retained four key rotational players and compiled the No. 1 overall 2026 class, the Cardinals went all in on the transfer portal, signing Flory Bidunga, Jackson Sheldstad, Karter Knox, and Alvaro Folgueiras. Not to mention, Louisville landed five-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr., who reclassified from 2027 and will be part of the 2026 rotation.
Quite frankly, there is too much firepower on those two teams for North Carolina to keep pace with. That being said, Malone’s coaching should elevate the Tar Heels and at least surpass their fourth-place finish last season.
Floor: Fifth Place
This would be a major disappointment, and there would be salt in the wound when assessing that this would be a worse finish than last season. North Carolina has the coaching and talent to finish inside the top three, but a couple of under-the-radar teams could emerge as legitimate threats in the ACC.
Virginia and Miami each finished above the Tar Heels in 2025, and the Cavaliers are returning the majority of their roster. Meanwhile, Miami has signed a couple of underrated players from the transfer portal who should help offset losses across the roster. Nevertheless, North Carolina cannot afford to miss out on a double-bye in the conference tournament, which is awarded to the top four teams at the end of the regular season.
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