(AP) -- RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina voters are deciding whether to ban anyone convicted of a felony from running or serving as county sheriff ever again.
The General Assembly put on this fall's ballot a referendum asking voters whether the state constitution should be changed to add the prohibition. A majority of voters must say "yes" to approve the amendment.
Interest in the proposal grew after six candidates for sheriff who were known felons ran unsuccessfully during the May primary.
N.C. Sheriffs Association President Sam Page said passing the amendment would maintain the integrity of the office.
The Libertarian Party wants voters to choose "no." Party leaders argue someone shouldn't be punished for a lifetime for what could have been a youthful mistake.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
