By Jessica Pautz

jessica.pautz@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — With municipal elections coming up this year and presidential elections in 2020, retrieving a voter identification card may soon be a routine matter.

The Rowan County Board of Elections started providing N.C. voter ID cards on May 1. County Elections Director Nancy Evans said voter IDs can be provided only to those who are registered to vote.

Evans said voter IDs are available at the Rowan County Board of Elections Office. Forms can also be obtained by visiting ncsbe.gov/Voter-ID and mailed to the elections office at 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd. W., Suite D-10, Salisbury, NC 28147. However, those obtaining an ID must have their picture taken at the Board of Elections office.

To receive an ID card, voters must present some form of identification with proof of residency. These include a driver’s license, military ID, U.S. passport, or a copy of a bank statement.

There is no fee for a voter registration card, and the ID lasts for 10 years.

People can obtain a voter ID card up until the Friday before an election.

A voter ID will not be required for this year’s municipal elections on Nov. 5 or the primary elections in 2020.

As long as voters have an ID with proof of residency in the state, they can vote. One can also show a military ID, a U.S passport, or a copy of a bank statement or paycheck. The same works for same-day registration to show proof of residency.

Voters who believe their identification is invalid and are unable to use it to register can call the Board of Elections Office at 704-216-8140 with questions.

Those interested in learning more about voter identification can attend one of two seminars held June 24, when the state board will provide information. The first seminar will be at 9:30 a.m. at the event center in West End Plaza, 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd. W. The second seminar will be at 5 p.m. at the Salisbury Civic Center.

Early voting begins from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 and will be Monday through Friday until Nov. 1.