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No same-day registration, straight party voting or photo ID

By Miranda McFalls, Published: October 20, 2014

The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 8 upheld North Carolina's election law that abolished Election Day registration and straight party voting. Voters do not need a photo ID for the Nov. 4 election but will need one in 2016. Those are the major changes voters will see when they go the polls for the fall election starting Thursday. One-stop voting opens at at election headquarters and four locations around Henderson County.

Here are the key changes or dates for 2014:

  • No ID needed to vote.
  • No out-of-precinct voting.
  • Early voting begins second Thursday, Oct. 23.
  • Absentee ballots must be witnessed and signed by two witnesses or notarized by one notary.
  • No straight party voting.
  • Absentee requests must be made on the State Absentee Request Form.
  • The party of the Governor determines the party order on the ballot.
  • Maximum campaign contribution is $5,000 (except for candidate spouses.)

Beginning in 2016 voters will be required to show a photo ID when they vote. Voters may use a North Carolina drivers license, U.S. passport, military ID or certain tribal ID cards. A voter who need an ID card may get a free DMV ID card at Department of Motor Vehicle offices.
Although no ID is required until 2016, voters will be asked during this election if they have photo ID and if not they will be given a brochure detailing how to obtain proper identification before the 2016 elections.
Though there are a plethora of changes, Henderson County officials expect one will affect local voters.
"I think people have known for a while that we probably were not going to have same day registration. That wasn't anything that hasn't been talked about for several months now," said Beverly Cunningham, Director of Elections for Henderson County. "I think the straight party is going to affect the voters more than anything."
Absentee ballot requests can be found at local or state election websites.

Voters can use one-stop voting at the elections office, 75 E. Central St. off Spartanburg Highway, and at the Edneyville Community Building, Etowah Library, Flat Rock Village Hall and Fletcher Library.