Letter: As you get ready to vote, remember to bring photo ID to polls

Many voters haven’t cast a ballot since our state’s voter ID requirement went into effect in 2023. As you plan to vote in this critical election this fall, please remember to bring your ID with you to the polls.

Most of us will simply show our state driver’s license, but many other types of photo ID will be accepted. The N.C. State Board of Elections’ website has more information at ncsbe.gov.

Voters without an acceptable ID can get a free photo ID made by their county board of elections. Voters can also get a “No Fee ID Card” from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.

The state elections board has also developed a process for approving student IDs and public employee IDs for voting. View the list of approved IDs at ncsbe.gov.

When a voter checks in at a polling place, they will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID. Elections workers will check to see if the picture on the ID reasonably resembles the voter. The address on the photo ID does not have to match the voter registration records. And if you do not have a photo ID, you can request a Photo ID Exception form from your poll worker and still vote.

Voting by mail? You will be asked to include a photocopy of an acceptable ID inside the photo ID envelope that comes with your ballot. A Photo ID Exception form is included with your absentee ballot if you do not have a photo ID.

Please spread the word about this. We can all play a role in helping our friends and neighbors to get ready to vote.

SUE ENGELHARDT

Hertford

Editor’s note: Sue Engelhardt is president of the League of Women Voters of Northeastern North Carolina.