Voter ID information for the upcoming November election – Neuse News

Voters are asked to show photo ID when voting in North Carolina.

Most voters simply show their driver’s license. However, there are many other acceptable photo IDs.

If a voter does not have an acceptable photo ID, they can obtain one free of charge from their voter District election committee. Find out more at Get a free voter photo ID.

Voters can also obtain a free ID card from the NC Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). For more information, see “Free ID Cards” at State IDs | NCDMV.

All voters are allowed to vote with or without photo ID. If a voter cannot show a photo ID when voting in person, they can still vote by completing an ID exemption form. If absentee voters are unable to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballot envelope, they may also complete an ID exemption form with their ballot. For more information, see ID exceptions below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get an ID card from the district election committee during the early voting period?

Yes. County offices will issue voter photo IDs during early voting. However, they cannot issue ID cards between the last day of early voting and Election Day.

Can a poll worker reject my photo ID because my appearance has changed since my photo was taken?

Poll workers check whether the photo on the ID “reasonably resembles” the voter. Poll workers are trained to understand that appearances can change over time. If the poll worker checking in the voter does not believe that the photo reasonably resembles the voter, the voter may still cast a regular ballot unless the election judges at the polling place unanimously agree that the photo does not the voter bears a reasonable resemblance to the voter; in this case the voter may cast a provisional ballot.

If I forget my ID, can I get it and return to vote?

Yes. If a voter does not provide ID, instead of voting with an ID exemption form or voting with a provisional ballot and returning later with ID, the voter may simply choose not to request a ballot at that time, obtain ID, and then return vote. However, once a voter accepts a ballot, they are not allowed to return to the polls.

Which student and civil servant IDs are permitted to vote?

The State Board of Elections has approved 100 student and employee ID cards statewide for use in the 2023 municipal elections and the 2024 primary and general elections in North Carolina. Check out the list Student and civil servant IDs accepted for voting. In the coming months, the State Board will announce additional ID application periods for the 2024 elections.

Will my ballot be counted if I properly complete an ID exclusion form?

Yes. The ballot must be counted from an eligible, registered voter with a properly completed ID exemption form. Such a ballot paper can only be rejected if the nonpartisan district election board decides unanimously that the voter provided false information on the form.

Is photo ID required for military and foreign voters (also known as UOCAVA voters)?

No. Photo ID is not required for military or foreign voters using special absentee voting procedures that federal law requires for such voters. For more information, see Military and foreign votes.

Where can I read the photo ID laws?

The photo ID laws can be found in the following laws and rules: