You’re voting on these ballot measures in the Charlotte area. Here’s what they mean
Voters in the Charlotte area will decide on a variety of bond referendums on the ballot during the upcoming election.
Measures include funding for schools, parks, roads and libraries in the Mecklenburg County area totaling nearly $500 million.
Use this guide to learn more about referendums on the ballot in and around Charlotte. (Remember, you can see what your ballot will look like before you head to the polls.)
NC Constitutional Amendment
North Carolina voters will decide whether to amend the state’s constitution to only allow U.S. citizens who are 18 or older to vote.
Voters can vote “for” and “against” the referendum, which would change the voter eligibility language in the state constitution.
The state constitution currently says that “every” person born in the United States or naturalized can vote. The amendment, if passed, would replace that wording to say that “only” a U.S. citizen can vote, The News & Observer previously reported.
Whether it passes or not, it would still be unlawful for a noncitizen to cast a ballot in federal and state elections.
Charlotte
Charlotte voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on three bond referendums worth up to $400 million, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
▪ A $238 million transportation bond, which contains $50 million for sidewalks, $55 million for potential new projects and $20 million on Vision Zero, a program to reduce traffic fatalities. It also includes funding for congestion mitigation, street resurfacing and roads and intersections.
▪ A $100 million bond for housing projects serving people earning low and moderate incomes.
▪ A nearly $62 million neighborhood bond would invest in neighborhood improvement projects, such as the renovation and installation of sidewalks, pedestrian and bike paths and traffic controls.
The bond has an estimated cost $2.50 per $100,000 of assessed property value. A homeowner with a house valued at $400,000 would see an annual increase in their tax bill of $10.
Cornelius
Cornelius has a $20 million bond to fund parks on the ballot this year.
The measure includes funding for parkland acquisition, recreation center development, park development, park improvements, and greenway development. Bailey Road Park, Cornelius Elementary and JV Washam Elementary are among the facilities featured in the bond. If passed, construction and land acquisition could begin as soon as 2027.
The bond has an estimated cost $16.10 per $100,000 of assessed property value. A homeowner with a house valued at $400,000 would see an annual increase in their tax bill of $64.40.
Union County
Union County residents will vote on nearly $40 million in school bonds.
This bond package will address aging facilities at Parkwood High and East Union Middle. The schools were built more than 60 years ago.
The funds will be used for pre-construction for a new Parkwood High School and a construction project that will relocate East Union Middle to the Forest Hills High campus.
The bond has an estimated cost of $8 per $100,000 of assessed property value. A homeowner with a house valued at $400,000 would see an annual increase in their tax bill of $32.
Stallings
Stallings residents will have the opportunity to vote on an occupancy tax referendum for the town.
An occupancy tax is charged to guests staying at hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments within the town. Funds collected through an occupancy tax can only be used for travel, tourism promotion and expenditures, which can include some park items.
The bond won’t affect property tax rates in Stallings if it passes.
Indian Trail
Indian Trail voters have the opportunity to vote on a ballot initiative that would add an occupancy tax for hotel and short-term rental stays.
The ballot includes a proposal for up to a 5% occupancy tax that would fund tourism-related initiatives, such as recreational amenities for residents and visitors. The tax is paid by visitors who use short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb, or future hotels in the town.
The bond won’t affect property tax rates in Indian Trail if it passes.
Belmont
Belmont has a $25 million bond to fund transportation initiatives on the ballot this year.
If approved, the funds would be used for projects designed to enhance roads, sidewalks, and connectivity across the city. Those projects include the Belmont Middle School Connector, pedestrian improvements and turn lanes on South Central Avenue and a multi-use path on Nixon Road.
If approved, the tax rate will increase $42.50 per $100,000 of tax valuation in 2026. This means a $400,000 home would see an annual increase of $170.
Former Observer intern Lucy Marques’ reporting contributed to this story, as well as correspondent Emily Vespa.
This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 1:39 PM.
