Voters in North Carolina will be required to show a picture ID at the polls for the upcoming primary election.
If voters do not have a photo ID, they will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot if they claim a reasonable impediment prevented them from acquiring accepted identification.
Opponents of the voter ID law were in court on Monday on grounds that it discriminates against minorities.
Tracy Reams, Director of the Orange County Board of Elections, said she and her staff have been preparing for the changing requirements.
“The main difference is really the photo ID, people being required to show that and for people who don’t have that ID can go to the DMV and get a free voter ID card,” said Reams.
There are two exceptions, those who wish to submit an absentee ballot and those who are physically unable to vote in person.
But Reams said she doesn’t believe the photo ID laws will affect voter turnout in Orange County.
“From the information I’ve gotten from the state board, there are very few in our county that have indicated that they do not have a photo ID,” said Reams.
That might have been due to the efforts of election officials in the past.
“For the last two years we have been asking voters when they come to vote, you know in 2016 you may need to show a photo ID, do you have what you need?” said Reams.
If voters responded that they did not have a proper ID, the state then sent a letter offering them assistance to obtain one.
“And what they’ve gotten back is a very low number of those saying they do not have ID,” said Reams.
In March, voters will have a chance to pick their party’s representative for President and Governor for elections in November, as well as weigh in on local races.
During the early voting period, voters can still register during the same day they cast their ballots but same-day registration is not allowed on the day of the actual primary.
Where you can cast your ballot has also changed. Last year out of precinct voting was not allowed.
“Well that has changed again,” said Reams. “So right now we are carrying forward with if you vote out of precinct the ballot will count but it will only count for those contest for which you would have been eligible to vote for, if you had voted in your correct precinct.”
The registration deadline for the March 15 primary is February 19.
Early voting will take place March 3- March 12.
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