Voter Guide

What’s legal and illegal to do when voting in NC? Do you need ID? Know the rules

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots on the first day of early voting, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Leicester Community Center in Leicester, N.C.
Voters wait in line to cast their ballots on the first day of early voting, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Leicester Community Center in Leicester, N.C. rwillett@newsobserver.com

North Carolina has implemented significant changes to its voting laws, now requiring all voters to present a photo identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include driver’s licenses, state ID cards, and U.S. passports, among others, while special provisions exist for those without IDs through an exception form. Voting by mail also mandates the inclusion of a photocopy of the voter’s ID.

Poll observers now have specified parameters for their activities, and North Carolina law strictly prohibits the photography of marked ballots to prevent fraudulent practices.

Political expression at polling sites is permitted as long as it doesn’t constitute electioneering.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.



No. 1: NC now requires ID to vote. What you’ll need to cast your ballot (+ how laws have changed)

This election season, following a landmark court decision, voters will be required to present a photo ID at the polls. | Published October 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kyle Ingram

No. 2: NC’s election laws have changed. Here’s what to know when you cast your ballot

Changes include increased new rules for poll observers, less time to get your absentee ballot in and the requirement to show an ID before you vote. | Published October 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kyle Ingram

No. 3: Why is it illegal to take a photo of your ballot on Election Day in NC? What to know

Taking a selfie with your ballot could land you in hot water. One NC resident is fighting to change that. | Published September 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

No. 4: Can you help someone fill out a ballot in NC? What to know about voter assistance laws

Here’s what to know about getting help to fill out your ballot in North Carolina. | Published October 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

No. 5: Can you wear political attire to vote at the polls in NC? What election officials say

You could run into trouble if you wear certain political clothing at the polls. | Published October 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

No. 6: Is it legal to take political signs from a yard or a roadway? What the NC law says

Supporters of both Republican and Democratic candidates have reported signs being taken or damaged. | Published October 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Josh Shaffer

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.

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