Legality of new voter ID mandate argued in federal trial
RALEIGH -- North Carolina's new voter identification mandate starting with the March primary is on trial in a federal court.
Attorneys for state officials and those for groups that challenged the law were expected in Winston-Salem on Monday for a week or so of testimony and arguments.
The U.S. Justice Department, state NAACP, League of Women Voters and citizens contend the requirement to show photo ID to vote in person is illegal and will make it harder for black and Latino residents to cast ballots. The state's lawyers say there's no evidence anyone will be denied the chance to vote under the rules.
The 2013 law requiring one of six qualifying IDs was scheduled to take effect in 2016. Exceptions for more people having trouble obtaining an ID passed last summer.
RELATED: Will you be able to vote without a photo ID this year?
