Most NC voters support legalized pot and proposed amendments on tax caps, voter ID, poll shows, tell me about this news in (https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/elon-poll-most-nc-voters-support-tax-caps-voter-id-marijuana-legalization-september-2026/)

The news report from WRAL covers findings from a September 2026 Elon University Poll examining North Carolina voters’ stances on several prominent ballot measures and policy issues ahead of the November election:

1. Marijuana Legalization

• A substantial majority of North Carolina voters favor easing restrictions on cannabis, continuing a multi-year upward trend in public support across the state.

• The poll highlights widespread backing for legalizing medical marijuana across nearly every demographic and political subgroup, alongside strong majority support for decriminalization and adult recreational use.

• Respondents cited economic benefits, reduced criminal penalties, and changing social perceptions as primary reasons for their support.

2. Proposed Constitutional Amendments

The survey measured voter sentiment on constitutional amendments scheduled for the November ballot:

• Voter ID Requirements: Voters showed strong approval for strengthening and cementing photo voter ID mandates into the state constitution (including extending photo ID rules to mail-in absentee voting). Support crossed party lines, with overwhelming backing among Republicans and notable support from independents and moderate Democrats.

• Cap on Property Tax Increases: A clear majority favored an amendment requiring the General Assembly to limit the rate at which local governments can raise property taxes. While broadly popular as a tax-relief concept, support showed some variance when voters considered potential trade-offs, such as impacts on municipal services and county budgets.

• Income Tax Cap: Voters also favored lowering the state constitutional cap on the maximum personal income tax rate (reducing the ceiling from 7% down toward 3.5%), reflecting broad public appetite for tax limitation measures.

Overall Takeaway

The polling reflects a North Carolina electorate that leans fiscally conservative and supportive of ballot security measures regarding taxation and elections, while simultaneously holding increasingly permissive, reform-minded attitudes toward cannabis legalization.