Minutes 09-17-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tracy Reams said voters who vote in person will be required to provide photo identification, but curbside voting will only require documentation such as a bank or utility statement. She said that absentee voting will require a social security number, driver's license, or special identification number. Commissioner Gordon asked if there had to be any special reasons for requesting an absentee ballot. Tracy Reams said this is considered a no excuse absentee ballot and voters do not need a reason. Commissioner Gordon asked about curbside voting. She said that curbside voters will need to sign a declaration stating that a physical disability makes it difficult to go inside the complex. Chair Jacobs said the public needs to be made aware of where DMV offices are located. Tracy Reams said these locations will be added to the website. Commissioner Gordon asked if any there will be verification of identification documents provided by absentee voters. Tracy said staff is required to validate driver's license and the last four digits of social security numbers by comparing these to the registration information. Commissioner Gordon asked about the timing of special elections. Tracy Reams said she is unsure of the reasoning for this change. Commissioner Pelissier asked what identification will be required for out of state students who register to vote in Orange County. Tracy said these voters will need a valid, unexpired North Carolina driver's license. She said an out of state license will only be permitted if the resident has registered within 90 days. Commissioner Rich asked if there have been any residents charged with voter fraud in Orange County. Tracy Reams said no. Commissioner Rich asked if there have been cases in North Carolina. Tracy Reams said she has read that there have been cases in the state. She said there have been cases in Orange County where voters have registered and voted in more than one county. She said these cases have been turned over to the state, and there are checks in place to detect this. Commissioner Dorosin thanked Tracy Reams for the summary. He feels that this bill is designed to suppress voters, and the most critical thing is to educate residents. He gave some history on past efforts to put in restrictions such as this. He said that more Republicans vote absentee and more Democrats vote in person. He noted that absentee voting is a good way to work around the photo identification requirements. Chair Jacobs said the Board appreciates what Tracy Reams and the Board of Elections does. He thanked her for the bi-partisan efforts in dealing with these changes. Commissioner Price noted the locations of the two DMV offices in Orange County, and she thanked Tracy Reams for her efforts. Commissioner Rich noted that there are dinners being organized by precinct chairs in Orange County for the purpose of educational forums. She suggested that the Board of Elections contact these chairs to see if any information can be provided. Tracy Reams said the board has reached out to the League of Women Voters, and the Democratic and Republican Party Chairs. She said all of these groups have become regular attendees to the board meetings. She feels confident that the needed education will be provided. Commissioner Gordon thanked Tracy Reams and her staff for their efforts and bi- partisan spirit.