Vote With or Without a Photo ID

This describes the ID requirements to vote, beginning with the spring 2016 primary – plus some options if you find it difficult to get a photo ID. (8/6/15)

What is an “Acceptable ID”?

You have other options, but to vote at the polls with a regular ballot, you will need to show one of these photo IDs, starting with the 2016 primary:

• NC driver’s license or learner’s permit
• NC non-drivers ID card
• US passport
• US military ID or Veterans ID card
• Member card from federal or NC recognized tribe
• Out-of-state driver’s license but only for 90 days after the voter registers in NC

Expiration: The NC driver’s license or NC ID may be expired for up to 4 years. Military or veterans IDs do not need an expiration date. A tribal card is current for 8 years after the issuance date. A passport must be current. But if one of these IDs is current when you turn 70, you may keep using it for voting for life.
The ID’s address does not need to match the registra- tion address; the ID is to verify identity, not address. The name on the ID may differ but must “resemble” the name on the voter registration rolls.

Approving the ID: The 3 precinct judges (who can’t be from the same party) must all agree that the ID does not resemble you for it to fail. You can provide other documents to help their decision. If the ID fails, use Option 3 (see next column) or cast a provisional ballot and ask the precinct official where and when you can bring an acceptable ID so the ballot will count.

Who is exempt?

1. Curbside voters – people who sign a statement that they have difficulty reaching the voting room “because of age or a physical disability.”
2.  Religious objection – people who have religious reasons for not wanting to be photographed.
   These voters must show a photo ID or a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or any government document with their name and current address.

What If I Don’t Have the Right ID?

You have 3 options if you don’t have an acceptable ID:

Option 1: Get a “no-fee state ID.” You may apply for a free ID card from the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Take 2 documents with your full name (1 must have your birth date) and 1 document with your address. For details, see www.GotIDNC.org.

Option 2: Vote by Mail (Absentee). No ID or excuse is needed to do this. Use the official form to request an absentee ballot; go to demnc.co/absform. On the form, include an identifying number (e.g., last 4 digits of your Social Security number) or send an identifying document. See demnc.co/mail or www.ncsbe.gov.

Option 3: Use a Provisional Ballot. Ask for this at the polls. It “shall” count if you:
(1) fill out a form to explain a “reasonable impedi-ment” for why you don’t have an acceptable ID; and
(2) write in your birth date and last 4 digits of your Social Security number; or show a registration card, current utility bill, pay stub, bank statement, or any government document with your name and address.

The form to indicate a “reasonable impediment” is a sworn statement with 8 boxes for why a voter may not have an ID. Check the box that is true for you:

• Lack of transportation
• Disability or illness
• Work schedule
• Family responsibilities
• Photo ID applied for but not received
• Lack of birth certificate or other documents
• Lost or stolen photo ID
• Other (write in, for example, school schedule; or can’t pay for the documents needed to get ID; or passport is many miles away)
• Don’t give a silly reason or mock the law (“because I hate the ID law”) or just write, “I don’t have it today.” You’ll get an 800# to learn if your provisional ballot counted. Call us if it did not at 888-OUR-VOTE.

Download the full handout, including how to get a No-Fee ID »