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ew voter identification laws go into effect this year, and begin with the 2023 municipal elections.

Meaning at your next election on November 7 (and during the early voting period), you’ll need to show your picture identification to get your ballot.

Some photo identifications are acceptable, and some are not. And if you don’t have a photo ID, you have time to get one – for free.

Photo IDs you can use, Part 1: Civilians

These IDs can be unexpired, or expired for one year or less:

• NC State Driver’s License
• State issued ID from the NC DMV (also called a non-operator’s license)
• US Passport or Passport card
• NC Voter Photo ID card issued by your county Board of Elections
• A college or university student ID approved by the State Board of Elections
• State / local government / charter school employee ID approved by the State Board of Elections

Photo IDs you can use, Part 2: Military, Tribal, & Government

These IDs can be used regardless of expiration or issue date:

• Military or veteran’s card with photo, issued by the US government
• Tribal enrollment card with photo issued by a tribe recognized by the state or federal government
• ID card with photo issued by the State of North Carolina, or an agency of the federal government, for public assistance

Over 65 with an expired ID

You can use any of the above acceptable forms of identification as long as it was unexpired as of your 65th birthday.

Important points from the State Board of Elections:

• The picture has to “reasonably resemble” the voter
• The name has to be the same or “very similar to” the voter’s name in their registration
• The address on the photo ID does not have to match the voter registration records
• If you are sending in an absentee-by-mail ballot, you have to send in a photocopy of your ID with your ballot

If you don’t have an ID

If you do not have any of the above forms of identification, your local county Board of Elections can issue you a photo ID as long as you are a registered voter.

To get your card, you’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number, and have your photo taken.

To find out more about getting this free Voter ID, call Pamlico County BoE at 252-745-4821.

The NC Department of Motor Vehicles also issues ‘no-fee ID cards’. Proper documentation is needed to get the free card.

The DMV also provides assistance to homebound voters who cannot travel due to severe disability. Call the NC Department of Motor vehicles for more information: 919-861-3030.

Voter ID Exceptions – how to vote without an ID

Sometimes circumstances prevent you from getting your photo ID. Or maybe you forgot your wallet on the way to the polling place.

You can still cast your ballot as long as you have a “reasonable impediment.”

You can fill out a Voter ID Exception Form on the day you vote in-person, or include it with your ballot if you’re voting absentee. The form provides several options to choose from:

• Lack of transportation
• Disability or illness
• Lack of birth certificate or other documents needed to obtain ID
• Work or school schedule
• Family responsibilities
• Photo ID is lost, stolen, or misplaced
• Applied for photo ID but have not received it
• (For mail voters only) Unable to attach a copy of photo ID (Voter must include driver’s license number or last four digits of Social Security number)
• Other reasonable impediment (this is a write-in response on the form)
• State or federal law prohibits voter from listing the reason
• Voter has a religious objection to being photographed
• Voter is a victim of State or Federally declared natural disaster within 100 days before the election

The next municipal elections in Pamlico County are Tuesday, November 7. Early Voting begins October 19, and ends Nov 4. The last day to request an absentee ballot for the November municipal elections is October 31 by 5p.

Related Links and Information

• Find out if you’re already a registered voter
• State Board of Elections Approved University and School IDs (updated on an ongoing basis)
• 2023 Voter ID Requirement Information Sheet

Posted Thursday October 12, 2023 by Allison DeWeese