Subject to approval by voters at the statewide general election in November 2012, amends Section 10 of Article IV of the North Carolina Constitution to direct the chief district court judge (rather than the senior regular resident judge of the superior court) to appoint one or more magistrates to the district court from nominations submitted by the clerk of superior court in the county. Makes the amendment effective January 1, 2013, if approved by the voters.
Makes conforming changes to GS 7A-171 (pertaining to magistrates), effective January 1, 2013, if the constitutional amendment is approved by voters, and applies to appointments that take effect on or after that date.