The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 6, 2023
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
The showdown between the North Carolina legislature and North Carolina Supreme Court has ended, but now the implementation of strict voter ID laws in the state has begun.
The highly restrictive law allows only an unexpired North Carolina driver’s license, U. S passport, state voter ID card, or a local or state government-issued ID card. The state’s supreme court struck the law down in 2022 as racially motivated, then a new, highly partisan conservative court reversed that decision.
The North Carolina Board of Elections must now implement it before the 2023 municipal races. The Port City Daily reports that the board just completed a public input period during June. One recommended change is an “exception form,” allowing a voter to explain why they don’t have the necessary ID, with options including theft or loss of an ID, no access to a birth certificate, no documents due to a disaster, among several accommodations.
Other public concerns about the law included defining rules for handling & storage of personal information, deadlines for mail-in ballots around holiday dates, religious exceptions to being photographed, and the curing of ID problems with absentee ballots. The Board endorsed some recommendations on June 26th.
The state is offering free non-driver state identification cards through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. We have links on how to apply for one, articles, and more details at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Brennan Center for Justice – Voter ID Law Struck Down by North Carolina Supreme Court
Brennan Center for Justice – North Carolina Supreme Court Upholds Voter ID Law 5 Months After Striking It Down
North Carolina State Board of Elections – Overview of NC Voter ID Law
North Carolina State Board of Elections – 10 Facts About NC’s Photo ID Requirement for Voting
NC Department of Motor Vehicles – Non-Driver IDs
Port City Daily – Wilmington – State BOE tweaks rules for voter ID law after public input
Carolina Public Press – New voter ID rule in North Carolina sparks worries about fairness for Black and Latino voters
Groups Taking Action:
Democracy North Carolina, Disability Rights NC, Vote Riders, North Carolina Black Alliance
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