To the Editor:

North Carolina law now requires that everyone voting in 2020 must have an approved form of voter ID that includes a photo. The state primary will be March 3, 2020, and you will need an approved voter ID in order to vote.  Approved voter IDs include: N.C. drivers’ license, N.C. state ID or Real ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, federally recognized tribal enrollment card, state recognized tribal card if approved by N.C. Board of Elections, student ID if approved by N.C.  Board of Elections (check website to see if your school is approved and ID must have an expiration date), employee ID (state, college, local governments), other state ID if voter registration is within 90 days (those over 65 can use picture ID even if expired if it was valid at the age of 65).

You can also apply for a voter ID card at your county Board of Elections and get one at no cost. You need to provide name, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security number. You can apply the same day as voter registration but may get card in the mail. The card cannot he used for other state events, only for voting. You cannot get a card on the last day of early voting and Election Day. If you lose the card,  it will be replaced free. If you move or change your party affiliation, you will not need a new card.

For more information, check the N.C. Board of Elections website at ncsbe.gov/voter-ID.

Mary A. Herr 

Cherokee