Federal Judge Upholds North Carolina Voter ID Law and Other Election Integrity Laws

This week, federal judges upheld North Carolina’s election regarding voter ID and same-day registration. In the NAACP v. Hirsch, the federal judge upheld North Carolina’s voter ID laws, notably in 2018, North Carolina voters overwhelmingly supported a state constitutional amendment requiring a voter ID.  

On this ruling, Senate Leader Phil Berger said, “Finally. After seven years, we can put to rest any doubt that our state’s Voter I.D. law is constitutional. This is a monumental win for the citizens of North Carolina and election integrity efforts.” 

The Executive Director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, Sam Hayes, said, “Today’s decision is a strong vindication of the State Board of Elections’ implementation of North Carolina’s photo ID law. The State Board has always been committed to administering voter ID according to the letter and spirit of the law. This ruling confirms that the law, as enacted and implemented, meets legal standards and includes important protections to ensure voters can participate in our elections. Election security and voter accessibility are not competing priorities — they are two sides of the same coin, and North Carolina’s voter ID law reflects that balance.” 

In the second case, Democracy NC v. NCSBE, the federal judge upheld the same-day registration laws. The additional requirements increased protections against fraudulent registrations.  

Regarding Democracy NC v. NCSBE, Director Hayes said, “This decision affirms that same-day registration safeguards are constitutional and serve an important role in ensuring that registrants are who they say they are. We are pleased with the court’s ruling and appreciate its thorough review of this matter.” 

Hayes said both rulings reinforce the State Board’s commitment to protecting election integrity while preserving lawful access to the ballot. “Both of these decisions uphold important protections for North Carolina’s elections without limiting access for eligible voters.”