Special to Iredell Free News

RALEIGH — The N.C. State Board of Elections is encouraging eligible educational institutions and government agencies to apply to have their student and employee photo IDs approved for voting purposes in upcoming elections.

Beginning with the 2023 municipal elections, registered voters in North Carolina will be asked to present photo identification to vote. For more information on the photo ID requirement, see Voter ID.

Student identification cards issued by North Carolina public or private universities and colleges, as well as employee identification cards issued by state and local government entities and charter schools, are valid forms of photo ID for voting when approved by the State Board.

Many other types of photo ID, including driver’s licenses, also will be accepted for voting. However, this approval process will ensure students without another acceptable form of ID will be prepared to vote.

“We strongly encourage all eligible educational institutions and government employers to apply for their IDs to be approved for voting. Getting their IDs approved will help ensure their students and employees are best equipped to participate in our state’s elections,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “The State Board is ready to assist these institutions and governmental entities as they work through this approval process.”