Voters would decide whether to limit nonhuman election spending

The proposed amendment would bar a person other than a human being from using money or anything valuable to influence an election in North Carolina. It would cover nonhuman persons exercising political spending power in North Carolina, including out-of-state persons that directly or indirectly undertake, finance, or direct that spending. The limit would not apply to political committees acting as the law allows. It would also not apply to a person distributing genuine news, commentary, or editorial content if the publisher is owned or controlled by a political party, political committee, or candidate. The amendment would take effect only if a majority of voters voting on it approve it. The amendment would go before voters at the statewide general election on November 3, 2026. If a majority of votes cast on the question favor it, it would take effect upon certification of the results.

The proposed amendment would make a violation void and withdraw state-granted legal benefits from the person that violated it. The consequences would apply to a person that violates the proposed limit on political spending. Benefits that could be withdrawn include legal existence, limited liability, or permission to do business in North Carolina. Only an act of the General Assembly could reinstate those benefits. These consequences would apply only if voters approve the amendment and it takes effect. These consequences would apply only after the amendment takes effect upon certification, if a majority of votes cast on the question favor it.