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HB 93

Election Laws - As introduced, directs the state coordinator of elections to promulgate rules regulating the spacing of political campaign signs by candidates seeking election to state and local offices. - Amends TCA Title 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Johnny Shaw

HB 93 repeals NC Constitution's literacy-test provision; voters will decide in the Nov 3, 2026 election; if approved, amendment takes effect upon certification.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 93

Summary — HB 93: Constitutional Amendment — Repeal Literacy Test (NC)

Status: Passed first reading
Introduced: (per file) August 15, 2025
Subject areas: North Carolina Constitution; Elections; Voter registration; Literacy requirement

Main purpose

HB 93 would remove the literacy-test provision from the North Carolina Constitution by repealing Section 4 of Article VI. The bill also directs that the proposed constitutional change be submitted to North Carolina voters at the statewide general election on November 3, 2026.

Key provisions

  • Repeal: Section 1 of the bill repeals Section 4 of Article VI of the North Carolina Constitution (the provision establishing a literacy test requirement for voting).
  • Referendum: Section 2 requires that the amendment be submitted to the qualified voters at the November 3, 2026 general election. It specifies the exact ballot question language:
    • “ FOR / AGAINST — Constitutional amendment to remove the literacy test requirement for voting from the North Carolina Constitution. The federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits implementation of this requirement.”
  • Certification and effect:
    • The State Board of Elections must certify the referendum results.
    • If a majority of votes cast are in favor, the Secretary of State will enroll the amendment among the permanent records.
    • If approved by voters and certified, the amendment becomes effective upon that certification.
  • Implementation: Ballots and voting systems used shall comply with applicable election law (Chapter 163, N.C. General Statutes).

Who would be affected

  • North Carolina voters: they will decide the constitutional amendment in the November 2026 election.
  • State election officials (State Board of Elections, county boards of election) and the Secretary of State: responsible for administering and certifying the referendum and recording the result.
  • No direct immediate change to existing federal law or routine voter registration processes; the constitutional provision targeted is currently unenforceable under federal law.

Practical impact and context

  • Federal context: The ballot language notes that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits implementation of literacy tests; therefore, the provision is not currently operative under federal law.
  • Effect: Repeal would remove an outdated constitutional provision from the state constitution, aligning state constitutional language with federal law and eliminating a vestigial clause tied historically to discriminatory voting practices.
  • Fiscal impact: The bill text does not specify new ongoing costs; costs would be limited to normal costs of conducting the statewide referendum (handled as part of the general election).

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Per the bill, the proposed amendment will appear on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot.
  • If a majority of voters approve the amendment and the State Board certifies the result, the Secretary of State will record the amendment and it becomes effective upon certification.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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