A judge in North Carolina has affirmed that digital identification cards issued to students and employees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) can be used as valid voter identification in upcoming elections. Wake Superior Court Judge Keith Gregory denied an attempt by the Republican National Committee and the North Carolina Republican Party to prohibit the use of these digital IDs, stating that state law does not forbid digital forms of identification for voting purposes.
The legal challenge arose after the North Carolina State Board of Elections approved the use of UNC’s “Mobile UNC One Card” as acceptable voter ID. Republican organizations argued that only physical forms of identification, such as driver’s licenses or passports, should be permitted under state law. They expressed concerns that digital IDs could lead to voter fraud and difficulties in verifying identities at polling stations.
Judge Gregory dismissed these claims, emphasizing that digital IDs assist registered voters in confirming their identity and that there is no credible evidence linking their use to illegal voting. He noted that obtaining a Mobile UNC One Card requires presenting valid photo identification, ensuring the security of the digital ID system.
This ruling marks the first instance of a smartphone-based ID being accepted for voting in North Carolina, reflecting a broader shift towards the adoption of digital identity technologies in official processes. The decision underscores the role of technology in facilitating secure and accessible voting procedures, offering convenience while maintaining stringent security standards.
Source: The Daily Record
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September 25, 2024 – by the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
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