North Carolina Board Approves Digital IDs for Voting

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has approved the use of digital identification cards for voting by students and employees at UNC-Chapel Hill, marking a significant shift towards modern voting methods. This decision, made during a recent board meeting with a narrow 3-2 vote, faced opposition from Republican members who argued that the law specifies 'identification cards' as physical forms. Supporters highlighted that UNC's Mobile One Cards meet all statutory requirements, including having an expiration date, and noted the increasing reliance on digital forms of ID among younger generations. The decision comes as North Carolina prepares for its first presidential election requiring photo ID at the polls, with the board having previously approved various forms of ID. Despite some concerns about the security of digital IDs, proponents believe they provide convenient access to voting for a tech-savvy electorate. This development reflects a broader trend of integrating technology into electoral processes as universities adapt to changing student needs.