About 218,000 North Carolina voters don't have government-issued photo identification. But they'll need one to vote at the polls in next year's presidential primary.
Voters can choose from a number of official ID cards: A state-issued drivers license or learners permit, a U.S. passport or military ID, veterans ID, and certain cards for members of Native American tribes in North Carolina.
Joshua Lawson of the State Board of Elections says cards are going out in the mail to inform voters who don't have Division of Motor Vehicle-issued IDs. He says it will include the following info:
- “You don't need photo ID to vote by absentee.”
- “If you don't have an ID, we provide one at no cost. You just have to show up to the DMV.”
- “It's going to list all the different types of ID and make sure that folks know that we're available to help, and want and partner with organizations that are out in their community.”
To get a free identification card from the DMV, residents will need two proof-of-identity documents, proof of residence and a Social Security number.
Lawson mentions you'll need to tell DMV staff you want the ID for voting if you want the SBOE to foot the bill.