Bill Summaries: H253 (2013-2014 Session)

Tracking:
  • Summary date: Mar 6 2013 - View summary

    Enacts new GS 163-166.13 providing that alegally registered voter may certify his or her identity by one of two methods: (1) by signing a voter photo affidavit or by (2) presenting proper photo identification.

    Proposed subsection (b) provides that a voter photo affidavit is a photograph taken by a designated election official that is signed by the voter toaffirm that the voter is in fact the registered voter inwhose name the ballot is requested. Makes it a Class I felony under GS 163-275(7) to falsely sign the affidavit. Requires that the signed photo affidavit be on file in digital format at the county board of elections office for a time to be determined by the State Board of Elections and included in the state voter file.

    Proposed subsection (c) specifies the forms of identification containing a photograph of the registered voter which are considered to be "photo identification" as used in this section. Includes among acceptable photo identification a voter registration card issued by the State Board of Elections or a county board of elections even though the voter registration card does not contain a picture of the voter. Also includes various other unexpired identification cardswith a picture of the voter such as a driver's license, employee identification card, military ID card, student ID card issued by an accredited university or college in North Carolina, or a US passport.

    Amends GS 163-82.6A(b) to require that in addition to the proof of residence required to register to vote under current law, a voter must either sign a voter photo affidavit or present photo identification as required under proposed GS 163-166.13.

    Makes conforming changes to GS 163-166.7 (Checking registration), GS 163-227.2(b) (regarding requesting an application for an absentee ballot), and GS 163-87 (Challenges allowed on day of primary or election).

    Amends GS 163-278.69 to require that the Judicial Voter Guide must include information on the requirements for voting in person under new GS 163-166.13.

    Provides that all of the above listed provisions apply to primaries and elections conducted on or after January 1, 2014.

    Requires, effective July 1, 2013, that the public be educated about the requirements of this act and specifies the structure and content of the public education and publicity requirements.