A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT providing for automatic voter registration at drivers license offices, public agencies, community colleges, and colleges and universities of the university of north carolina SYSTEM; requiring the bipartisan state board of elections and ethics enforcement to implement an outreach campaign informing citizens about automatic voter registration; allowing individuals who meet the criteria to register to vote or change voter registration online; reestablishing same day registration, including on election day; reestablishing the program to preregister sixteen and seventeen year olds; to make changes to photographic identification to vote in person; and to restore the last saturday of early one‑stop voting.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

PART I. UNIVERSAL VOTER REGISTRATION
SECTION 1.1.  G.S. 163A‑862 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑862.  Voter registration application forms; automatic voter registration at certain agencies.
(a)	Form Developed by State Board. – The State Board shall develop an application form for voter registration. Any person may use the form to apply to do any of the following:
(1)	Register to vote.
(2)	Change party affiliation or unaffiliated status.
(3)	Report a change of address within a county.
(4)	Report a change of name.
The county board of elections for the county where the applicant resides shall accept the form as application for any of those purposes if the form is submitted as set out in G.S. 163A‑862.
(b)	Interstate Form. – The county board of elections where an applicant resides shall accept as application for any of the purposes set out in subsection (a) of this section the interstate registration form designed by the Federal Election Commission pursuant to section 9 of the National Voter Registration Act, if the interstate form is submitted in accordance with G.S. 163A‑865.
(c)	Agency Application. – The county board of elections where an applicant resides shall accept as application for any of the purposes set out in subsection (a) of this section automatic voter registration developed pursuant to G.S. 163A‑883 or G.S. 163A‑884."
SECTION 1.2.  G.S. 163A‑865 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑865.  Acceptance of application forms.
(a)	How the Form May Be Submitted. – The county board of elections shall accept any form described in G.S. 163A‑862 if the applicant submits the form by mail, facsimile transmission, transmission of a scanned document, or in person or by automatic voter registration pursuant to G.S. 163A‑883, 163A‑884, 115D‑5, or 116‑11. The applicant may delegate the submission of the form to another person. Any person who communicates to an applicant acceptance of that delegation shall deliver that form so that it is received by the appropriate county board of elections in time to satisfy the registration deadline in subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (d) of this section for the next election. It shall be a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to communicate to the applicant acceptance of that delegation and then fail to make a good faith effort to deliver the form so that it is received by the county board of elections in time to satisfy the registration deadline in subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (d) of this section for the next election. It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge of failing to make a good faith effort to deliver a delegated form by the registration deadline that the delegatee informed the applicant that the form would not likely be delivered in time for the applicant to vote in the next election. It shall be a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to sell or attempt to sell a completed voter registration form or to condition its delivery upon payment.
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(d)	Registration Deadlines for a Primary or Election. – In order to be valid for a primary or election, the form:
(1)	If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validly submitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election,
(2)	If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, by transmission of a scanned document, or by automatic voter registration, must be received by the county board of elections by a time established by that board, but no earlier than 5:00 P.M., on the twenty‑fifth day before the primary or election,
(3)	If submitted through a delegatee who violates the duty set forth in subsection (a) of this section, must be signed by the applicant and given to the delegatee not later than 25 days before the primary or election, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section.
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SECTION 1.3.  G.S. 163A‑883 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑883.  Automatic voter registration at drivers license offices; coordination on data interface.
(a)	Automatic Voter Registration at Drivers License Offices. – Beginning January 1, 2019, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall, in consultation with the State Board, implement a method by which any eligible person who applies for original issuance, renewal or correction of a drivers license, or special identification card issued under G.S. 20‑37.7 shall be automatically registered to vote, or able to update the voter's registration if the voter has changed his or her address or moved from one precinct to another or from one county to another. The person taking the application shall inform the applicant of the following:
(1)	That the applicant shall be registered to vote or have the applicant's voter registration record updated, as applicable, unless the applicant declines.
(2)	The qualifications to vote under G.S. 163A‑841.
(3)	That the applicant should not register if the applicant does not meet the qualifications described under subdivision (2) of this subsection.
(4)	That any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application is guilty of a Class I felony.
(5)	That if the applicant declines to register to vote, the fact that the applicant has declined to register will remain confidential and be used for voter registration purposes only.
(6)	Information regarding the address confidentiality program under Chapter 15C of the General Statutes, including how to register for the program and how voter registration may impact participation in the program.
(a1)	Requirements. – If the applicant does not decline voter registration, the person taking the application shall require the applicant to provide all information requested of the applicant under G.S. 163A‑863, including declaring a preference to be affiliated with a political party or a preference to be an unaffiliated voter. If the applicant fails to declare a political party affiliation, the applicant's political affiliation shall be designated as unaffiliated. The applicant shall provide an electronic signature as required under G.S. 163A‑865(b), subject to the penalty of perjury, by which the applicant attests that the information provided by the applicant is true and the applicant meets all qualifications to become a registered voter.
(a2)	When Registration Effective. – Registration shall become effective as provided in G.S. 163A‑867. Applications to register to vote accepted at a drivers license office under this section until the deadline established in G.S. 163A‑865(d)(2) shall be treated as timely made for an election, and no person who completes an application at that drivers license office shall be denied the vote in that election for failure to apply earlier than that deadline.
(a3)	Transmittal from Department of Transportation to Board of Elections. – The Department of Transportation shall electronically transmit the applications of applicants who have not declined voter registration to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after the date of acceptance, according to rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board. Those rules shall provide for a paperless, instant, electronic transfer of applications to the appropriate board of elections.
(a4)	Confidentiality of Declination to Register. – No information relating to a declination to register to vote in connection with a voter registration application at a Division of Motor Vehicles office may be used for any purpose other than voter registration. The State Board shall ensure that information acquired for purposes of automatic voter registration under this section is kept confidential in accordance with G.S. 163A‑863(b), including compliance with any voter registration requirements under G.S. 163A‑871(d).
(b)	Ineligible Applications Prohibited. – If a person who is ineligible to vote becomes registered to vote pursuant to this section, the presumption shall be that the person's registration is deemed officially authorized and shall not be attributed to any fault of the person. However, any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application described under this section is guilty of a Class I felony.
(c)	Coordination on Data Interface. – The Department of Transportation jointly with the State Board shall develop and operate a computerized interface to match information in the database of the statewide voter registration system with the drivers license information in the Division of Motor Vehicles to the extent required to enable the State Board and the Department of Transportation to verify the accuracy of the information provided on applications for voter registration, whether the applications were received at drivers license offices or elsewhere. The Department of Transportation and the State Board shall implement the provisions of this subsection so as to comply with section 303 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The Department of Transportation shall enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Social Security so as to comply with section 303 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
(d)	No Requirement to Determine Eligibility. – Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the Department of Transportation to determine eligibility for voter registration and voting."
SECTION 1.4.  G.S. 163A‑884 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑884.  Voter registration at other public agencies; automatic voter registration.
(a)	Voter Registration Agencies. – Every office in this State which accepts:
(1)	Applications for a program of public assistance under Article 2 of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes or under Article 13 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes;
(2)	Applications for State‑funded State or local government programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities, with such office designated by the State Board; or
(3)	Claims for benefits under Chapter 96 of the General Statutes, the Employment Security Law, is designated as a voter registration agency for purposes of this section.
(b)	Duties of Voter Registration Agencies; Automatic Voter Registration Information. – Beginning January 1, 2020, a voter registration agency described in subsection (a) of this section shall, in consultation with the State Board, provide, with each application for service or assistance, and with each recertification, renewal, or change of address relating to such service or assistance, an application process for automatic voter registration. The person taking the application shall inform the applicant of the following:
(1)	

That the applicant shall be registered to vote or have the applicant's voter registration record updated, as applicable, unless the applicant declines.
(2)	The qualifications to vote under G.S. 163A‑841.
(3)	That the applicant should not register if the applicant does not meet the qualifications described under subdivision (2) of this subsection.
(4)	That any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application is guilty of a Class I felony.
(5)	That if the applicant declines to register to vote, the fact that the applicant has declined to register will remain confidential and be used for voter registration purposes only.
(6)	Information regarding the address confidentiality program under Chapter 15C of the General Statutes, including how to register for the program and how voter registration may impact participation in the program.
(b1)	Requirements. – If the applicant does not decline voter registration, the person taking the application shall require the applicant to provide all information requested of the applicant under G.S. 163A‑863, including declaring a preference to be affiliated with a political party or a preference to be an unaffiliated voter. If the applicant fails to declare a political party affiliation, the applicant's political affiliation shall be designated as unaffiliated. The applicant shall provide an electronic signature as required under G.S. 163A‑865(b), subject to the penalty of perjury, by which the applicant attests that the information provided by the applicant is true and that the applicant meets all qualifications to become a registered voter.
(c)	Employment Security Law Applicants. – Provided that voter registration agencies designated under subdivision (a)(3) of this section shall only be required to provide the services set out in this subsection to applicants for new claims, reopened claims, and changes of address under Chapter 96 of the General Statutes, the Employment Security Law.
(d)	Home Registration for Disabled. – If a voter registration agency provides services to a person with disability at the person's home, the voter registration agency shall provide the services described in subsection (b) of this section at the person's home. However, the agency is not required to provide automatic voter registration at the person's home.
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(f)	Confidentiality of Declination to Register. – No information relating to a declination to register to vote in connection with an application made at a voter registration agency may be used for any purpose other than voter registration. The State Board shall ensure that information acquired for purposes of automatic voter registration under this section is kept confidential in accordance with G.S. 163A‑863(b), including compliance with any voter registration requirements under G.S. 163A‑871(d).
(g)	Transmittal From Agency to Board of Elections. – The agency shall electronically transmit the applications of applicants who did not decline voter registration to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after acceptance, according to rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board.
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(i)	Ineligible Applications Prohibited. – No person shall make application to register to vote under this section if that person is ineligible on account of age, citizenship, lack of residence for the period of time provided by law, or because of conviction of a felony. However, if a person who is ineligible to vote becomes registered to vote pursuant to this section, the presumption shall be that the person's registration is deemed officially authorized and shall not be attributed to any fault of the person.
(j)	No Requirement to Determine Eligibility. – Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring agencies to determine eligibility for voter registration and voting."
SECTION 1.5.(a)  G.S. 163A‑885 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑885.  Voter registration upon restoration of citizenship.
The State Board, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall jointly develop and implement educational programs and procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at the time they are restored to citizenship and all filings required have been completed under Chapter 13 of the General Statutes. Those procedures shall be designed to do both of the following:
(1)	Inform the person that the restoration of rights removes the person's disqualification from voting, but that in order to vote the person must register to vote.
(2)	Provide an opportunity to that person to register to vote, including informing the person of automatic voter registration in accordance with G.S. 163A‑883 or G.S. 163A‑884.
At a minimum, the program shall include a written notice to the person whose citizenship has been restored, informing that person that the person may now register to vote, with a voter registration form enclosed with the notice."
SECTION 1.5.(b)  G.S. 163A‑885, as amended by subsection (a) of this section, reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑885.  Voter registration upon restoration of citizenship.
The State Board, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall jointly develop and implement educational programs and procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at the time they are restored to citizenship and all filings required have been completed under Chapter 13 of the General Statutes. Those procedures shall be designed to do both of the following:
(1)	Inform the person that the restoration of rights removes the person's disqualification from voting, but that in order to vote the person must register to vote.
(2)	Provide an opportunity to that person to register to vote, including informing the person of automatic voter registration in accordance withG.S. 163A‑883, 163A‑884, 115D‑5, or 116‑11.
At a minimum, the program shall include a written notice to the person whose citizenship has been restored, informing that person that the person may now register to vote, with a voter registration form enclosed with the notice."
SECTION 1.6.  G.S. 115D‑5 reads as rewritten:
"§ 115D‑5.  Administration of institutions by State Board of Community Colleges; personnel exempt from North Carolina Human Resources Act; extension courses; tuition waiver; in‑plant training; contracting, etc., for establishment and operation of extension units of the community college system; use of existing public school facilities; automatic voter registration.
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(z)	Automatic Voter Registration. – Beginning January 1, 2020, the State Board of Community Colleges, in consultation with the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement, shall provide each person who is enrolled and registering for courses as a student in a State community college the option for automatic voter registration as follows:
(1)	Information provided to student. – In providing an automatic voter registration application process, the person taking the application shall inform the student of the following:
a.	That the student shall be registered to vote or have the student's voter registration record updated, as applicable, unless the student declines.
b.	The qualifications to vote under G.S. 163A‑841.
c.	That the student should not register if the student does not meet the qualifications described under sub‑subdivision b. of this subdivision.
d.	That any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application is guilty of a Class I felony.
e.	That if the student declines to register to vote, the fact that the student has declined to register will remain confidential and be used for voter registration purposes only.
f.	Information regarding the address confidentiality program under Chapter 15C of the General Statutes, including how to register for the program and how voter registration may impact participation in the program.
(2)	Requirements. – If the student does not decline voter registration, the person taking the application shall require the student to provide all information requested of the student under G.S. 163A‑863, including declaring a preference to be affiliated with a political party or a preference to be an unaffiliated voter. If the student fails to declare a political party affiliation, the student's political affiliation shall be designated as unaffiliated. The student shall provide an electronic signature as required under G.S. 163A‑865(b), subject to the penalty of perjury, by which the student attests that the information provided by the student is true and the student meets all qualifications to become a registered voter.
(3)	Confidentiality of declination to register. – No information relating to a declination to register to vote in connection with an application made at a State community college may be used for any purpose other than voter registration. The State Board shall ensure that information acquired for purposes of automatic voter registration under this section is kept confidential in accordance with G.S. 163A‑863(b), including compliance with any voter registration requirements under G.S. 163A‑871(d).
(4)	Transmittal from State community college to board of elections. – The State community college shall electronically transmit the applications of students who did not decline voter registration to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after acceptance, according to rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board.
(5)	Twenty‑five‑day deadline for an election. – Applications to register accepted by a State community college shall entitle a registrant to vote in any primary, general, or special election unless the registrant shall have made application later than the twenty‑fifth calendar day immediately preceding such primary, general, or special election, provided that nothing shall prohibit State community colleges from continuing to accept applications during that period.
(6)	Ineligible applications prohibited. – No person shall make application to register to vote under this subsection if that person is ineligible on account of age, citizenship, lack of residence for the period of time provided by law, or because of conviction of a felony. However, if a person who is ineligible to vote becomes registered to vote pursuant to this subsection, the presumption shall be that the person's registration is deemed officially authorized and shall not be attributed to any fault of the person.
(7)	No requirement to determine eligibility. – Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring State community colleges to determine eligibility for voter registration and voting."
SECTION 1.7.  G.S. 116‑11 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(15)	Automatic voter registration. – Beginning January 1, 2020, the Board of Governors, in consultation with the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement, shall provide each person who is enrolled and registering for courses as a student in a State college or university in The University of North Carolina System the option for automatic voter registration as follows:
a.	Information provided to student. – In providing an automatic voter registration application process, the person taking the application shall inform the student of the following:
1.	That the student shall be registered to vote or have the student's voter registration record updated, as applicable, unless the student declines.
2.	The qualifications to vote under G.S. 163A‑841.
3.	That the student should not register if the student does not meet the qualifications described under sub‑subdivision a.2. of this sub‑subdivision.
4.	That any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application is guilty of a Class I felony.
5.	That if the student declines to register to vote, the fact that the student has declined to register will remain confidential and be used for voter registration purposes only.
6.	Information regarding the address confidentiality program under Chapter 15C of the General Statutes, including how to register for the program and how voter registration may impact participation in the program.
b.	Requirements. – If the student does not decline voter registration, the person taking the application shall require the student to provide all information requested of the student under G.S. 163A‑863, including declaring a preference to be affiliated with a political party or a preference to be an unaffiliated voter. If the student fails to declare a political party affiliation, the student's political affiliation shall be designated as unaffiliated. The student shall provide an electronic signature as required under G.S. 163A‑865(b), subject to the penalty of perjury, by which the student attests that the information provided by the student is true and the student meets all qualifications to become a registered voter.
c.	Confidentiality of declination to register. – No information relating to a declination to register to vote in connection with an application made at a State college or university in The University of North Carolina System may be used for any purpose other than voter registration. The State Board shall ensure that information acquired for purposes of automatic voter registration under this section is kept confidential in accordance with G.S. 163A‑863(b), including compliance with any voter registration requirements under G.S. 163A‑871(d).
d.	Transmittal from State college or university to board of elections. – The State college or university in The University of North Carolina System shall electronically transmit the applications of students who did not decline voter registration to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after acceptance, according to rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board.
e.	Twenty‑five‑day deadline for an election. – Applications to register accepted by a State college or university in The University of North Carolina System shall entitle a registrant to vote in any primary, general, or special election unless the registrant shall have made application later than the twenty‑fifth calendar day immediately preceding such primary, general, or special election, provided that nothing shall prohibit State colleges or universities in The University of North Carolina System from continuing to accept applications during that period.
f.	Ineligible applications prohibited. – No person shall make application to register to vote under this subdivision if that person is ineligible on account of age, citizenship, lack of residence for the period of time provided by law, or because of conviction of a felony. However, if a person who is ineligible to vote becomes registered to vote pursuant to this subdivision, the presumption shall be that the person's registration is deemed officially authorized and shall not be attributed to any fault of the person.
g.	No requirement to determine eligibility. – Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as requiring State colleges or universities in The University of North Carolina System to determine eligibility for voter registration and voting."
SECTION 1.8.  The Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement shall establish and implement an education and outreach campaign to inform voters of the automatic voter registration procedures established pursuant to this Part.
SECTION 1.9.  Sections 1.1 through 1.3 and Section 1.5(a) of this act become effective January 1, 2020. Sections 1.4, 1.5(b), 1.6, and 1.7 of this act become effective January 1, 2021.

PART II. SAME DAY VOTER REGISTRATION
SECTION 2.1.  Article 17 of Chapter 163A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 163A‑866.5.  In‑person registration and voting.
(a)	Who May Register in Person. – In accordance with the provisions in this section, an individual who is qualified to register to vote may register in person and then vote in the person's county of residence on election day or during the period for one‑stop voting provided under G.S. 163A‑1300. For purposes of this section, a one‑stop voting site includes the county board of elections office, if that office is used for one‑stop voting.
(b)	Both Attestation and Proof of Residence Required. – To register and vote under this section, the person shall do both of the following:
(1)	Complete a voter registration form as prescribed in G.S. 163A‑863, including the attestation requirement of G.S. 163A‑863(b) that the person meets each eligibility requirement. Such attestation is signed under penalty of a Class I felony under G.S. 163A‑1389(13); and
(2)	Provide proof of residence by presenting any of the following valid documents that show the person's current name and current residence address: a North Carolina drivers license, a photo identification from a government agency, or any of the documents listed in G.S. 163A‑1144(a)(2). The State Board of Elections may designate additional documents or methods that suffice and shall prescribe procedures for establishing proof of residence.
(c)	Voting With Retrievable Ballot. – A person who registers under this section shall vote a retrievable ballot immediately after registering. If a person declines to vote immediately, the registration shall be processed, and the person may later vote at a one‑stop voting site under this section in the same election, if the early one‑stop period has not closed.
(d)	Verification of Registration; Counting of Ballot. – Within two business days of the person's registration under this section, the county board of elections in conjunction with the State Board of Elections shall verify the North Carolina drivers license or Social Security number in accordance with G.S. 163A‑875, update the statewide registration database and search for possible duplicate registrations, and proceed under G.S. 163A‑867 to verify the person's address. The person's vote shall be counted unless the county board determines that the applicant is not qualified to vote in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(e)	Voting in Primary. – Any person who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which a partisan or nonpartisan primary is held, even though not so qualified by the date of the primary, may register for the primary and general election prior to the primary and then vote in the primary and general election after being registered in accordance with the provisions of this section."
SECTION 2.2.  G.S. 163A‑843 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑843.  Right to participate or vote in party primary.
No person shall be entitled to vote or otherwise participate in the primary election of any political party unless that person complies with all of the following:
(1)	Is a registered voter.
(2)	Has declared and has had recorded on the registration book or record the fact that the voter affiliates with the political party in whose primary the voter proposes to vote or participate.
(3)	Is in good faith a member of that party.
Notwithstanding the previous paragraph, any unaffiliated voter who is authorized under G.S. 163A‑989 may also vote in the primary if the voter is otherwise eligible to vote in that primary except for subdivisions (2) and (3) of the previous paragraph.
Any person who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which the primary is held, even though not so qualified by the date of the primary, shall be entitled to register for the primary and general election prior to the primary and then to vote in the primary after being registered. Such person may register not earlier than 60 days nor later than the last day for making application to register under G.S. 163A‑865(d) prior to the primary. In addition, persons who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which the primary is held, who do not register during the special period may register to vote after such period as if they were qualified on the basis of age, but until they are qualified by age to vote, they may vote only in primary elections. Such a person also may register and vote in the primary and general election pursuant to G.S. 163A‑866.5."
SECTION 2.3.  G.S. 163A‑865(d) reads as rewritten:
"(d)	Registration Deadlines for a Primary or Election. – In order to be valid for a primary or election, except as provided in G.S. 163‑866.5, the form:
(1)	If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validly submitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election,
(2)	If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanned document, must be received by the county board of elections by a time established by that board, but no earlier than 5:00 P.M., on the twenty‑fifth day before the primary or election,
(3)	If submitted through a delegatee who violates the duty set forth in subsection (a) of this section, must be signed by the applicant and given to the delegatee not later than 25 days before the primary or election, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section."
SECTION 2.4.  G.S. 163A‑1144(d) reads as rewritten:
"(d)	Voting When Identification Numbers Do Not Match. – Regardless of whether an individual has registered by mail or by another method, if the individual has provided with the registration form a drivers license number or last four digits of a Social Security number but the computer validation of the number as required by G.S. 163A‑875 did not result in a match, and the number has not been otherwise validated by the board of elections, in the first election in which the individual votes that individual shall submit with the ballot the form of identification described in subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section, depending upon whether the ballot is voted in person or absentee. If that identification is provided and the board of elections does not determine that the individual is otherwise ineligible to vote a ballot, the failure of identification numbers to match shall not prevent that individual from registering to vote and having that individual's vote counted. If the individual registers and votes under G.S. 163A‑866.5, the identification documents required in that section, rather than those described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section, apply."
SECTION 2.5.  G.S. 163A‑1300(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Any voter eligible to vote by absentee ballot under G.S. 163A‑1295 may request an application for absentee ballots, complete the application, and vote under the provisions of this section and G.S. 163A‑866.5, 163A‑1301, 163A‑1302, 163A‑1303, and 163A‑1304."
SECTION 2.6.  G.S. 163A‑1587 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑1587.  Right to participate or vote in party primary.
No person shall be entitled to vote or otherwise participate in the primary election of any political party unless that person complies with all of the following:
(1)	Is a registered voter.
(2)	Has declared and has had recorded on the registration book or record the fact that the voter affiliates with the political party in whose primary the voter proposes to vote or participate.
(3)	Is in good faith a member of that party.
Notwithstanding the previous paragraph, any unaffiliated voter who is authorized under G.S. 163A‑989 may also vote in the primary if the voter is otherwise eligible to vote in that primary except for subdivisions (2) and (3) of the previous paragraph.
Any person who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which the primary is held, even though not so qualified by the date of the primary election, shall be entitled to register while the registration books are open during the regular registration period prior to the primary and then to vote in the primary after being registered, provided however, under full‑time and permanent registration, such an individual may register not earlier than 60 days nor later than the last day for making application to register under G.S. 163A‑865(d) prior to the primary. In addition, persons who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which the primary is held, who do not register during the special period may register to vote after such period as if they were qualified on the basis of age, but until they are qualified by age to vote, they may vote only in primary elections. Such a person also may register and vote in the primary and general election pursuant to G.S. 163‑866.5."
SECTION 2.7.  G.S. 163A‑1588 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑1588.  Voting in nonpartisan primary.
Any person who will become qualified by age to register and vote in the general election for which a nonpartisan primary is held, even though not so qualified by the date of the primary, shall be entitled to register for the primary and general election prior to the primary and then to vote in the primary after being registered. Such a person may register not earlier than 60 days nor later than the last day for making application to register under G.S. 163A‑865(d) prior to the primary. Such a person also may register and vote in the primary and general election pursuant to G.S. 163A‑866.5."

PART III. PREREGISTRATION
SECTION 3.1.  G.S. 163A‑80 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(d)	Preregistration. – A person who is at least 16 years of age but will not be 18 years of age by the date of the next election and who is otherwise qualified to register may preregister to vote and shall be automatically registered upon reaching the age of eligibility following verification of the person's qualifications and address in accordance with G.S. 163A‑867."
SECTION 3.2.  G.S. 163A‑862(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(5)	Preregister to vote."
SECTION 3.3.  G.S. 163A‑863(e) reads as rewritten:
"(e)	Citizenship and Age Questions. – Voter registration application forms shall include all of the following:
(1)	The following question and statement:
a.	"Are you a citizen of the United States of America?" and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the applicant is or is not a citizen of the United States.
b.	"If you checked "no' in response to this question, do not submit this form."
(2)	The following questions and statement:
a.	"Will you be 18 years of age on or before election day?" and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the applicant will be 18 years of age or older on election day.
b.	"Are you at least 16 years of age and understand that you must be 18 years of age on or before election day to vote?" and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the applicant is at least 16 years of age and understands that the applicant must be at least 18 years of age or older by election day to vote.
c.	"If you checked "no' in response to both of these questions, do not submit this form.""
SECTION 3.4.  G.S. 163A‑883(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Voter Registration at Drivers License Offices. – The Division of Motor Vehicles shall, pursuant to the rules adopted by the State Board, modify its forms so that any eligible person who applies for original issuance, renewal or correction of a drivers license, or special identification card issued under G.S. 20‑37.7 may, on a part of the form, complete an application to register to vote, or to update the voter's registration if the voter has changed his or her address or moved from one precinct to another or from one county to another, or to preregister to vote. The person taking the application shall ask if the applicant is a citizen of the United States. If the applicant states that the applicant is not a citizen of the United States, or declines to answer the question, the person taking the application shall inform the applicant that it is a felony for a person who is not a citizen of the United States to apply to register to vote. The application shall state in clear language the penalty for violation of this section. The necessary forms shall be prescribed by the State Board. The form must ask for the previous voter registration address of the voter, if any. If a previous address is listed, and it is not in the county of residence of the applicant, the appropriate county board of elections shall treat the application as an authorization to cancel the previous registration and also process it as such under the procedures of G.S. 163A‑870. If a previous address is listed and that address is in the county where the voter applies to register, the application shall be processed as if it had been submitted under G.S. 163A‑870.
Registration shall become effective as provided in G.S. 163A‑867. Applications to register to vote accepted at a drivers license office under this section until the deadline established in G.S. 163A‑865(d)(2) shall be treated as timely made for an election, and no person who completes an application at that drivers license office shall be denied the vote in that election for failure to apply earlier than that deadline.
All applications shall be forwarded by the Department of Transportation to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after the date of acceptance, according to rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board. Those rules shall provide for a paperless, instant, electronic transfer of applications to the appropriate board of elections. All applications for preregistration shall be forwarded to the State Board."
SECTION 3.5.  G.S. 163A‑884 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑884.  Voter registration at other public agencies.
(a)	Voter Registration Agencies. – Every office in this State which accepts:
(1)	Applications for a program of public assistance under Article 2 of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes or under Article 13 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes;
(2)	Applications for State‑funded State or local government programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities, with such office designated by the State Board; or
(3)	Claims for benefits under Chapter 96 of the General Statutes, the Employment Security Law, is designated as a voter registration agency for purposes of this section.
(b)	Duties of Voter Registration Agencies. – A voter registration agency described in subsection (a) of this section shall, unless the applicant declines, in writing, to register or preregister to vote:
(1)	Distribute with each application for service or assistance, and with each recertification, renewal, or change of address relating to such service or assistance:
a.	The voter registration application form described in G.S. 163A‑863(a) or (b); or
b.	The voter registration agency's own form, if it is substantially equivalent to the form described in G.S. 163A‑863(a) or (b) and has been approved by the State Board, provided that the agency's own form may be a detachable part of the agency's paper application or may be a paperless computer process, as long as the applicant is required to sign an attestation as part of the application to register or preregister.
(2)	Provide a form that contains the elements required by section 7(a)(6)(B) of the National Voter Registration Act; and
(3)	Provide to each applicant who does not decline to register or preregister to vote the same degree of assistance with regard to the completion of the registration application as is provided by the office with regard to the completion of its own forms.
(c)	Provided that voter registration agencies designated under subdivision (a)(3) of this section shall only be required to provide the services set out in this subsection to applicants for new claims, reopened claims, and changes of address under Chapter 96 of the General Statutes, the Employment Security Law.
(d)	Home Registration for Disabled. – If a voter registration agency provides services to a person with disability at the person's home, the voter registration agency shall provide the services described in subsection (b) of this section at the person's home.
(e)	Prohibitions. – Any person providing any service under subsection (b) of this section shall not:
(1)	Seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration, except that this shall not be construed to prevent the notice provided by G.S. 163A‑863(d) to be given if the applicant refuses to declare his party affiliation;
(2)	Display any such political preference or party allegiance;
(3)	Make any statement to an applicant or take any action the purpose or effect of which is to discourage the applicant from registering or preregistering to vote; or
(4)	Make any statement to an applicant or take any action the purpose or effect of which is to lead the applicant to believe that a decision to register or preregister or not to register or preregister has any bearing on the availability of services or benefits.
(f)	Confidentiality of Declination to Register. – No information relating to a declination to register or preregister to vote in connection with an application made at a voter registration agency may be used for any purpose other than voter registration.
(g)	Transmittal From Agency to Board of Elections. – Any voter registration or preregistration application completed at a voter registration agency shall be accepted by that agency in lieu of the applicant's mailing the application. Any such application so received shall be transmitted to the appropriate board of elections not later than five business days after acceptance, according to rules which shall be promulgated by the State Board.
(h)	Twenty‑Five‑Day Deadline for an Election. – Applications to register accepted by a voter registration agency shall entitle a registrant to vote in any primary, general, or special election unless the registrant shall have made application later than the twenty‑fifth calendar day immediately preceding such primary, general, or special election, provided that nothing shall prohibit voter registration agencies from continuing to accept applications during that period.
(i)	Ineligible Applications Prohibited. – No person shall make application to register or preregister to vote under this section if that person is ineligible on account of age, citizenship, lack of residence for the period of time provided by law, or because of conviction of a felony."
SECTION 3.6.  G.S. 163A‑888 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑888.  Voter registration at public high schools.
Every public high school shall make available to its students and others who are eligible to register and preregister to vote the application forms described in G.S. 163A‑862, and shall keep a sufficient supply of the forms so that they are always available. A local board of education may, but is not required to, designate high school employees to assist in completing the forms. Only employees who volunteer for this duty may be designated by boards of education."
SECTION 3.7.  G.S. 115C‑81.45(c) reads as rewritten:
"(c)	Democratic Process and Citizenship Education. –
(1)	The State Board of Education shall include instruction in civic and citizenship education in the standard course of study for high school social studies. The State Board of Education is strongly encouraged to include, at a minimum, the following components in the high school civic and citizenship education standard course of study:
a.	That students write to a local, State, or federal elected official about an issue that is important to them.
b.	Instruction on the importance of voting and otherwise participating in the democratic process, including instruction on voter registration and preregistration.
c.	Information about current events and governmental structure.
d.	Information about the democratic process and how laws are made.
(2)	The State Board of Education shall include instruction in civic and citizenship education in the standard course of study for middle school social studies. The State Board of Education is strongly encouraged to include, at a minimum, the following components in the middle school civic and citizenship education standard course of study:
a.	A tour of representative local government facilities, such as the local jail, the courthouse, or a town hall, to help students understand the way their community is governed.
b.	Allowing students to choose and analyze a community problem and offer public policy recommendations on the problem to local officials.
c.	Information about getting involved in community groups."
SECTION 3.8.  G.S. 115C‑47(59) reads as rewritten:
"(59)	To Encourage Student Voter Registration and Preregistration. – Local boards of education are encouraged to adopt policies to promote student voter registration and preregistration. These policies may include collaboration with county boards of elections to conduct voter registration and preregistration in high schools. Completion and submission of voter registration and preregistration forms shall not be a course requirement or graded assignment for students."
SECTION 3.9.  The State Board of Elections and the Department of Public Instruction are encouraged to improve outreach to high school students on voter registration and preregistration programs when students are eligible to do either, including the curriculum element on instruction in voter registration and preregistration, as provided by G.S. 115C‑47(59) and voter registration in public high schools authorized in G.S. 163A‑888.

PART IV. ONLINE REGISTRATION
SECTION 4.1.  G.S. 163A‑864 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑864.  Distribution of application forms.
(a)	The State Board shall make the forms described in G.S. 163A‑862 available for distribution through governmental and private entities, with particular emphasis on making them available for organized voter registration drives.
(b)	The State Board of Elections shall make the forms available for completion and submission on a secure Internet Web site in accordance with this Article."
SECTION 4.2.  Part 2 of Article 6 of Chapter 163A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 163A‑864.5.  Online voter registration.
(a)	An individual who meets all of the following criteria may register to vote or change voter registration online:
(1)	The individual is eligible to register to vote.
(2)	The individual possesses one of the following that is current and valid:
a.	North Carolina drivers license issued under Article 2 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes, including a learner's permit or a provisional license.
b.	Special identification card for nonoperators issued under G.S. 20‑37.7.
(b)	The State Board shall establish a secure Internet Web site to permit individuals described in subsection (a) of this section to complete and submit voter registration applications online.
(c)	The secure Web site established under subsection (b) of this section shall allow an individual described in subsection (a) of this section to submit:
(1)	An application for any of the following:
a.	Voter registration.
b.	Reporting of a change of name, address, or party affiliation. If the individual is already registered to vote and the change of address is to another county, it shall be treated as an application to register to vote.
(2)	Information to establish that the individual is eligible under this section to register online.
(3)	The individual's e‑mail address.
(d)	Upon receipt of an individual's application under subsection (c) of this section, the county board of elections in conjunction with the State Board of Elections shall verify the North Carolina drivers license or Social Security number in accordance with G.S. 163A‑875, update the statewide registration database and search for possible duplicate registrations, and proceed under G.S. 163A‑867 to verify the person's address.
(e)	If the State Board verifies the North Carolina drivers license or Social Security number in accordance with G.S. 163A‑875, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall transfer the digital signature of the applicant in the Division of Motor Vehicles records to the State Board.
(f)	If the State Board cannot verify the North Carolina drivers license or Social Security number in accordance with G.S. 163A‑875, the State Board shall so notify the individual submitting the application by e‑mail, if provided, and in accordance with this Article. That individual shall be offered an opportunity to register in accordance with G.S. 163A‑865 or G.S. 163A‑866, as applicable."
SECTION 4.3.  G.S. 163A‑871 reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Official Record. – The State voter registration system is the official voter registration list for the conduct of all elections in the State. The State Board and the county board of elections may keep copies of voter registration data, including voter registration applications, in any medium and format expressly approved by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources pursuant to standards and conditions established by the Department and mutually agreed to by the Department and the State Board. A completed and signed registration application form, if available, described in G.S. 163A‑862, once approved by the county board of elections, becomes backup to the official registration record of the voter. Full or partial social security numbers, dates of birth, the identity of the public agency at which the voter registered under G.S. 163A‑884, any electronic mail address submitted under this Article or Part 2 of Article 21 of this Chapter, any electronic data associated with online registration under G.S. 163A‑864.5, and drivers license numbers that may be generated by the voter, the State Board, or a county board of elections in the voter registration process are confidential and shall not be considered public records and subject to disclosure to the general public under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. Cumulative data based on those items of information may be publicly disclosed as long as information about any individual cannot be discerned from the disclosed data. Disclosure of information in violation of this subsection shall not give rise to a civil cause of action. This limitation of liability does not apply to the disclosure of information in violation of this subsection as a result of gross negligence, wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing that would otherwise be actionable. The signature of the voter, either on the paper application or an electronically captured image of it, may be viewed by the public but may not be copied or traced except by election officials for election administration purposes. Any such copy or tracing is not a public record."
SECTION 4.4.  This Part becomes effective January 1, 2020.

PART V. PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION FOR VOTING IN PERSON
SECTION 5.1.  Voter photo identification cards, as required by G.S. 163A‑869.1, as enacted by this act, shall be available on request no later than July 1, 2019. The State Board shall adopt temporary rules to implement G.S. 163A‑869.1, as enacted by this act, no later than April 15, 2019.
SECTION 5.2.  G.S. 163A‑1145.1 reads as rewritten:
"§ 163A‑1145.1.  Requirement for photo identification to vote in person.
(a)	Photo Identification Required to Vote. – When a registered voter presents to vote in person, the registered voter shall produce any of the following forms of identification that contain a photograph of the registered voter, whether expired or unexpired or without an expiration:
(1)	Any of the following following:
a.	A North Carolina drivers license.
b.	A special identification card for nonoperators issued under G.S. 20‑37.7 or other form of nontemporary identification issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Transportation.
c.	A United States passport.
d.	A North Carolina voter photo identification card of the registered voter issued pursuant to G.S. 163A‑869.1.
e.	A tribal enrollment card issued by a State or federal recognized tribe.
g.	A student identification card issued by a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, a community college, as defined in G.S. 115D‑2(2), or eligible private postsecondary institution as defined in G.S. 116‑280(3), provided that card is issued in accordance with G.S. 163A‑1145.2.
h.	An employee identification card issued by a state or local government entity, including a charter school, provided that card is issued in accordance with G.S. 163A‑1145.3.
i.	A drivers license or special identification card for nonoperators issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory or commonwealth of the United States, but only if the voter's voter registration was within 90 days of the election.
j.	A government‑issued identification card.
(2)	Any of the following:
a.	A military identification card issued by the United States government.
b.	A Veterans Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for use at Veterans Administration medical facilities.
	
(b)	Verification of Photo Identification. – After presentation of the required identification described in subsection (a) of this section, the precinct officials assigned to check registration shall compare the photograph contained on the required identification with the person presenting to vote. The precinct official shall verify that the photograph is that of the person seeking to vote. If the precinct official disputes that the photograph contained on the required identification is the person presenting to vote, a challenge shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures of G.S. 163A‑914. A voter shall be permitted to vote unless the judges of election present unanimously agree that the photo identification presented does not bear a reasonable resemblance to that voter.
(c)	Provisional Ballot Required Without Photo Identification. – If the registered voter cannot produce the identification as required in subsection (a) of this section, the registered voter may cast a provisional ballot that is counted only if the registered voter brings an acceptable form of photograph identification listed in subsection (a) of this section to the county board of elections no later than the end of business on the business day prior to the canvass by the county board of elections as provided in G.S. 163A‑1172. The State Board shall provide the registered voter casting a provisional ballot due to failure to provide photo identification an information sheet on the deadline to return to the county board of elections to present photo identification, and what forms of photo identification are acceptable, in order for the voter's provisional ballot to be counted.
(d)	Exceptions. – The following exceptions are provided for a registered voter who does not produce an acceptable form of identification as required in subsection (a):
(1)	Religious Objection. – If a registered voter does not produce an acceptable form of photograph identification due to a religious objection to being photographed, the registered voter may complete an affidavit under penalty of perjury at the voting place and affirm that the registered voter: (i) is the same individual who personally appears at the voting place; (ii) will cast the provisional ballot while voting in person; and (iii) has a religious objection to being photographed. Upon completion of the affidavit, the registered voter may cast a provisional ballot.
(2)	Reasonable Impediment. – If a registered voter does not produce an acceptable form of photograph identification because the registered voter suffers from a reasonable impediment that prevents the registered voter from presenting photograph identification, the registered voter may complete an affidavit under the penalty of perjury at the voting place and affirm that the registered voter: (i) is the same individual who personally appears at the voting place; (ii) will cast the provisional ballot while voting in person; and (iii) suffers from a reasonable impediment that prevents the registered voter from presenting photograph identification. The registered voter also shall complete a reasonable impediment declaration form provided in subsection (d1) of this section, unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal law. Upon completion of the affidavit, the registered voter may cast a provisional ballot.
(3)	Natural Disaster. – If a registered voter does not produce an acceptable form of photograph identification due to being a victim of a natural disaster occurring within 100 days before election day that resulted in a disaster declaration by the President of the United States or the Governor of this State, the registered voter may complete an affidavit under penalty of perjury at the voting place and affirm that the registered voter: (i) is the same individual who personally appears at the voting place; (ii) will cast the provisional ballot while voting in person; and (iii) was a victim of a natural disaster occurring within 100 days before election day that resulted in a disaster declaration by the President of the United States or the Governor of this State. Upon completion of the affidavit, the registered voter may cast a provisional ballot.
(d1)	Reasonable Impediment Declaration Form. – The State Board shall adopt a reasonable impediment declaration form that, at a minimum, includes the following as separate boxes that a registered voter may check to identify the registered voter's reasonable impediment:
(1)	Inability to obtain photo identification due to:
a.	Lack of transportation.
b.	Disability or illness.
c.	Lack of birth certificate or other underlying documents required.
d.	Work schedule.
e.	Family responsibilities.
(2)	Lost or stolen photo identification.
(3)	Photo identification applied for but not yet received by the registered voter voting in person.
(4)	Other reasonable impediment. If the registered voter checks the "other reasonable impediment" box, a further brief written identification of the reasonable impediment shall be required, including the option to indicate that State or federal law prohibits listing the impediment.
(e)	County Board Review of Exceptions. – If the county board of elections determines that the registered voter voted a provisional ballot only due to the inability to provide proof of identification and the required affidavit required in subsection (d) of this section is submitted, the county board of elections shall find that the provisional ballot is valid unless the county board has grounds to believe the affidavit is false.
(f)	Purpose. – The purpose of the identification required pursuant to subsection (a) of this section is to confirm the person presenting to vote is the registered voter on the voter registration records. Any address listed on the identification is not determinative of a registered voter's residence for the purpose of voting. A registered voter's residence for the purpose of voting is determined pursuant to G.S. 163A‑842."

PART VI. restore last saturday of Early one‑stop
SECTION 6.1.  Section 1(c) of S.L. 2018‑129 reads as rewritten:
"SECTION 1.(c)  This section is effective when it becomes law and applies to elections held on or after that date."

PART VII. EFFECTIVE DATE
SECTION 7.  Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law and applies to elections held on or after that date.