In a remarkable display of bipartisan cooperation, North Carolina’s legislature has overwhelmingly supported the American Citizens Only Voting initiative, reflecting the strong alignment of both lawmakers and residents on a fundamental issue: preserving the integrity of our election process.
However, many North Carolinians don’t know that this initiative will be on the November ballot.
In an effort to bring greater awareness, the initiative’s passage in the legislature was celebrated during a press conference on Sept. 6, highlighting the widespread support behind this move. The message was clear—voting is a sacred right, and the responsibility to protect it transcends party lines. Across the state, both Republicans and Democrats alike have embraced this measure as a necessary safeguard, affirming that the right to vote is not something to be taken lightly or diluted.
I had the privilege of joining Americans for Citizen Voting founder Paul Jacobs, his amazing team, and various State legislators in DC, at the National Press Club, where a call went out to various news outlets in an effort to educate the voting public about this very initiative.
The initiative doesn't just secure the rights of citizens; it enhances trust in the electoral system. By placing explicit legal protections around voter eligibility, the citizens of North Carolina can be rest assured that their votes are being counted fairly and that the democratic process is being upheld.
Ensuring that only U.S. citizens can participate in local, state, and municipal elections is about keeping the foundational promise of American democracy intact: that the people who make decisions about our laws, leadership, and direction are indeed members of our country.
Knowing all of this, and how vitally important it is to the people of this state, I was taken aback to find many aren’t aware of the incredible opportunity elected officials have given to voters so that their voices may be heard on this issue. Therefore, much more has to be done to alert voters, going to the polls in November, that the referendum will be on the ballot.
Voters have to know that the American Citizens Only Voting initiative is not about exclusion; it's about preserving the rights of every eligible North Carolinian and ensuring that our elections reflect the will of the citizens who live, work, and invest in the future of our state.
This initiative stands as a prime example of good governance, where leaders on both sides of the aisle came together for the benefit of the people. It sends a strong message—one that will resonate as the state prepares for the November vote.
My only fear is, without enough coverage and social media attention, many voters may overlook the measure when filling out their ballot. But a national press conference to alert people about the referendum goes a long way in helping to allay that fear.

— Craig Scott
Spokesperson for Americans for Citizen Only Voting