GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Wayne County voters showed overwhelming support for all three proposed amendments to the North Carolina Constitution during Tuesday’s November 3 midterm election, with local approval exceeding statewide percentages on every measure.
The proposed amendments addressed photo identification requirements for voting, lowering the maximum allowable state income-tax rate, and establishing limits on increases in property-tax levies by local governments.
According to unofficial election night results, each amendment received nearly 70% or more support in Wayne County, compared to statewide approval ranging from approximately 59% to 62%.
Wayne County Voters Overwhelmingly Support Photo ID Amendment
The proposed constitutional amendment addressing photo identification requirements for voting, including absentee voting by mail, received strong support in Wayne County.
Locally, 26,867 voters, or 70.90%, voted in favor of the amendment, while 11,026 voters, representing 29.10%, voted against it.
Statewide, the amendment received 2,463,276 votes in favor, or 59.60%, compared to 1,669,764 votes against, or 40.40%.
Wayne County’s approval rate was 11.30 percentage points higher than the statewide result.
The amendment addresses photo identification requirements within the North Carolina Constitution, including provisions related to absentee voting by mail.
Income-Tax Amendment Receives Highest Support in Wayne County
Of the three proposed constitutional amendments, the measure lowering North Carolina’s maximum allowable state income-tax rate received the strongest support from Wayne County voters.
The proposal would reduce the constitutional maximum allowable state income-tax rate from 7% to 3.5%.
In Wayne County, 27,581 voters, or 72.59%, supported the amendment, while 10,415 voters, representing 27.41%, opposed it.
Statewide, 2,559,732 voters, or 61.92%, voted in favor, compared to 1,574,188 voters, or 38.08%, who voted against the proposal.
Wayne County’s approval percentage was 10.67 percentage points higher than the statewide result.
The amendment would establish a lower constitutional ceiling on the state’s income-tax rate. It would not automatically change the current income-tax rate to 3.5%, but would restrict the maximum rate permitted under the state constitution.
Property-Tax Levy Limit Amendment Gains Strong Local Support
Wayne County voters also supported a proposed constitutional amendment requiring the North Carolina General Assembly to establish limits on increases in property-tax levies by local governments.
The proposal would direct state lawmakers to establish restrictions on how much local governments could increase property-tax levies, while allowing exceptions permitted through legislation.
In Wayne County, 26,216 voters, or 69.29%, supported the amendment, while 11,617 voters, representing 30.71%, voted against it.
Across North Carolina, the amendment received 2,492,761 votes in favor, or 60.42%, compared to 1,632,700 votes against, or 39.58%.
Wayne County’s approval rate was 8.87 percentage points higher than the statewide percentage.
The amendment could have significant implications for local governments, including Wayne County and the City of Goldsboro, which rely on property-tax revenue to fund essential public services.
However, the specific limits and exceptions would depend on legislation adopted by the North Carolina General Assembly.
2026 Constitutional Amendment Election Results
Unofficial Wayne County and statewide results
| Constitutional Amendment | Wayne County For | Statewide For |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID for Voting | 26,867 (70.90%) | 2,463,276 (59.60%) |
| Maximum Income Tax Rate of 3.5% | 27,581 (72.59%) | 2,559,732 (61.92%) |
| Property-Tax Levy Limit | 26,216 (69.29%) | 2,492,761 (60.42%) |
Votes Against Each Amendment
| Constitutional Amendment | Wayne County Against | Statewide Against |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID for Voting | 11,026 (29.10%) | 1,669,764 (40.40%) |
| Maximum Income Tax Rate of 3.5% | 10,415 (27.41%) | 1,574,188 (38.08%) |
| Property-Tax Levy Limit | 11,617 (30.71%) | 1,632,700 (39.58%) |
Wayne County Support Exceeds Statewide Results
The election night results reveal a consistent trend among Wayne County voters, who supported all three constitutional amendments by significantly larger margins than voters statewide.
The income-tax amendment received the highest local approval at 72.59%, followed by the voter identification amendment at 70.90% and the property-tax levy limit amendment at 69.29%.
For Wayne County residents, the proposed changes could affect voting requirements and future state and local tax policies.
Wayne County recorded a 50.04% voter turnout, with 38,788 ballots cast out of 77,521 registered voters.
All results remain unofficial until election officials complete the canvassing and certification process.
The Wayne County Board of Elections is scheduled to conduct its official canvass on Friday, November 13, 2026.
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