CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Beginning with the municipal major election in September, Mecklenburg County voters can be required to indicate a photograph ID to vote in particular person and by mail.
However what should you don’t have one? Effectively, now you can go to any county Board of Elections office and join a free voter ID. The method takes about quarter-hour, however you might want to be registered to vote to begin it.
“Simply 4 digits of your social safety,” stated Michael Dickerson, director of Mecklenburg County Board of Elections workplace. “After which I’ll bounce that towards the state, after I do the info entry. And after I bounce it towards the state and its right deal with, it’s in Mecklenburg County — you’ve lived right here, you’re not a felon, you don’t have any of those points that might prohibit you from being a registered voter, you’re of age. All these issues. As soon as I show that, then I ship you a voter card out.”
Dickerson isn’t involved about rolling out the free voter ID program, and doesn’t suppose it’ll impression their day-to-day operations. He stated since they launched this system, they’ve solely had round 13-14 individuals are available to get an ID. It’s necessary to notice, the one factor you need to use these voter ID playing cards for is voting.
So far as how way more safe picture IDs will make elections, the jury remains to be out.
“I feel our elections have at all times been safe,” Dickerson stated.
Dickerson plans to arrange free pop-up voter ID websites all through the county to make sure extra individuals have the entry they should vote. That’s precisely why Drew Kromer, chair of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Celebration, is supportive of the free IDs.
“I feel it’s improbable that the Board of Elections goes to assist individuals get picture IDs in the event that they don’t have already got one,” Kromer stated. “I feel everybody deserves the best to vote.”
Different states like Iowa and Ohio have rolled out comparable free voter ID applications. One of many solely variations from Mecklenburg County is that they’re having the DMV deal with the IDs, somewhat than BOE workplaces.
“You may go to the Division of Motor Autos, and you will get a free ID,” Dickerson continued, “However don’t be disillusioned. If it takes you a while.”
For those who don’t have already got a type of picture ID, like a driver’s license, passport or authorities issued ID, you simply must register to vote, know the final 4 digits of your social safety quantity, and say “cheese” when elections workplace officers snap your picture.
