Voter ID

During the 2011-2012 legislative session, Republicans passed a bill that would have required voters show identification when they go to the polls. Former Gov. Bev Perdue vetoed that measure, and the state House was unable to override that veto. Now that Gov. Pat McCrory has taken office, Republicans say they are determined to put a voter ID requirement in place.

Although there are versions of a voter ID requirement that would not require state-issued photo identification, top legislative leaders say they'll pursue a version of the measure that would required a photo ID issued by a state or county government.

Democrats in the House and Senate have filed laws that would avert voter ID requirements. Those bills would allow voters without ID to have their pictures taken rather than show photo ID.

House Republicans filed their proposal that requires a photo ID but allows for a number of different forms of official ID. Anyone who doesn't have an ID can cast a provisional ballot and then go to their local board of election to show their ID to have the ballot counted.

Update (4/24): The state House passed its version of Voter ID on April 24. The measure is now pending in the state Senate. 

Update (7/18): The Senate Rules Committee expects to take up the voter ID bill on July 19. 

Update (7/29): Hours before adjourning in late July, the House and Senate pushed through a measure that will require voters show photo ID at the polls. The same bill has a number of other elections-related provisions attached to it. As of July 29, the bill is pending on Gov. Pat McCrory's desk.