State could approve same-day voting, registration

RALEIGH -- Did you vote in the last election? If not, was it because you had forgotten to register? If state lawmakers have their way, you could soon be able to register and vote on the same day. It's a move designed to increase voter turnout. But a bill in the state house is already drawing criticism along party lines. The bill passed Thursday in the state legislature and it will now move onto the senate. It would make it possible to register to vote and then immediately cast a ballot at so-called "one-stop voting sites." All you would need to show would be proof of ID, which could be as simple as a utility bill. But critics argue it will increase the possibility for voter fraud. New Hanover County Republican party Chair Chris Dean said, "All of us, as citizens, have a right to vote. But we need to make sure they're legal and eligible." Voting officials say there would be a safeguard against voter fraud. They would be able to retrieve fraudulent ballots after they are cast. That means they would not be counted in the election. One of the prime sponsors of the bill said North Carolina has one of the lowest voter turnouts in the country. She says the intent of this bill is to increase voter turnout, especially among 18-25 year olds. But opponents wonder if one-stop voting would actually accomplish that goal.