NAACP challenges NC voter ID law as unconstitutional and racially discriminatory

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — The NAACP took its challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID law to the state Court of Appeals on Wednesday, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and racially discriminatory.

The appeal follows a federal district court judge’s ruling against the lawsuit earlier this year.

The NAACP first filed the lawsuit after North Carolina’s voter ID law took effect in 2023, arguing the law discriminates against Black and other minority voters it alleges are less likely to have state-issued identification.

The lawsuit also challenges the 2018 constitutional amendment that established the voter ID requirement, arguing that it was approved by a legislature shaped by racial gerrymandering.

Supporters of voter ID laws have argued the requirements are necessary to prevent voter fraud. North Carolina voters approved the original constitutional amendment in 2018.

Kym Meyer of the Southern Environmental Law Center, which represents the NAACP, said the group wants the opportunity to present its evidence.

“We are here today in the court of appeals simply fighting for our evidence to be allowed to be heard, for us to have that day to present our case that the Supreme Court prescribed for us,” Meyer said.

The case comes as North Carolina voters consider another constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would require photo identification for all voters, including those voting by mail. Current state law already requires photo ID for in-person voting.

The proposed amendment would put the requirement for all voting methods into the state constitution.

Meyer argued that the proposed amendment would not be on the ballot if the 2018 amendment now being challenged had not passed.

The NAACP says it will continue fighting the law until it believes voters’ rights are protected.

Voters who do not have an acceptable photo ID can still vote, and can request an exception form at their polling place or obtain a free voter photo ID from their county board of elections.