Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

GOP Leaders Introduce Constitutional Amendment Requiring Photo ID At The Polls

House Speaker Tim Moore introduced a bill Thursday in the General Assembly that could eventually require all voters to present a photo ID when they head to the polls. (AP Photo/Scott Stewart)

Republicans are poised again to advance a photo identification requirement to vote in North Carolina, despite their previous attempt getting struck down by federal judges.

On Thursday, House GOP leaders introduced a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would add a photo ID mandate to the qualifications to vote. It would be on ballots this November if the referendum is agreed to by the Senate and House.

The GOP-controlled General Assembly passed a photo ID law in 2013, but a federal appeals court determined three years later that the mandate and other voting restrictions were passed with discriminatory intent targeting black residents. GOP legislators disagreed.

Senate leader Phil Berger says he expects a proposed amendment would get widespread support in his chamber.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate