North Carolina Judge Upholds Use of Digital IDs for Voter Identification

A North Carolina judge has ruled that students and employees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) can use digital identification cards as valid voter IDs in upcoming elections. Wake Superior Court Judge Keith Gregory denied a request from the Republican National Committee and the North Carolina Republican Party to bar the use of these digital IDs, stating that state law does not prohibit digital forms of identification for voting purposes.

Earlier this month, republican organizations, including the Republican National Committee and the North Carolina Republican Party, filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to block the use of digital IDs by students and employees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for voting purposes.

The lawsuit contends that state law permits only physical forms of ID for voting, such as driver’s licenses or passports, and argues that the NCSBE exceeded its authority in approving the use of the “Mobile UNC One Card” as voter identification.

This marked the first time a smartphone-based ID has been accepted for voting in North Carolina, following a 3-2 vote by the NCSBE in August 2024. While supporters highlighted the technological advancement and security features of digital IDs, the lawsuit raises concerns about voter fraud and potential issues with verifying digital IDs at polling stations.

The plaintiffs argued that only physical, tangible IDs should be permitted and expressed concerns that digital IDs could allow ineligible voters to cast ballots. Judge Gregory dismissed these claims, noting that digital IDs assist already registered voters in proving their identity and that there was no credible link between the use of digital IDs and illegal voting.

Source: The Daily Record

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September 24, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy