A Raleigh Realtor has complained to the State Board of Elections.
In a letter sent Wednesday, Raleigh Realtor Becky Harper complains about the N.C. Association of Realtors' use of required dues to oppose the transfer tax.
She notes that she is required to be a member of the association to have access to the Multiple Listing Service, which lists real estate for sale.
"I do not believe that it is right that my required fees are used to support direct political action for or against ballot initiatives," she writes.
She also notes that the dues are deductible as a business expense, but the use of them for political purposes may "jeopardize" that deduction.
Harper attached an e-mail and a letter from the association about the use of dues.
Update: Elections Director Gary Bartlett said they will look into the complaint.
"We plan to do due diligence on it," he said.

Comments
Re: Realtor complains to elections board
July 25, 2008 - 6:17am — aperrinIt already does:
http://laws.findlaw.com/us/487/735.html
http://laws.findlaw.com/us/431/209.html
http://laws.findlaw.com/us/475/292.html
http://laws.findlaw.com/us/500/507.html
The upshot: unions may not compel members to participate (including financially) in political activity they disagree with. Workers are allowed to partake in the collective bargaining function of unions without being required to endorse the political practice.
Re: Realtor complains to elections board
July 24, 2008 - 5:16pm — FFC1304Thanks Ms. Harper for addressing this in this manner.
How can we get all the NC Real Estate Brokers to DEMAND the name of Tony Rand OFF the NCREC bldg on Navajo Drive? He is an INSULT to all NC real estate brokers with his recent manipulation of the annexation bill.
All real estate licensees should contact the NCREC 'leadership' to demand this action NOW! Send them an email!
Re: Realtor complains to elections board
July 24, 2008 - 1:32pm — SenateWould the same thing apply to unions?