By Liz Moomey

liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

Voters will not be required to show photo ID for the March 3 primary election.

Last week, a federal judge blocked a law that required voters to have photo identification when voting.

And while North Carolina will appeal the ruling, that appeal will come after the March 3 primary to prevent confusion, according to Attorney General Josh Stein.

That decision attracted opposition from Lt. Gov. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, who is running as a Republican for N.C. governor, and others who accused Stein of punting the Voter ID ruling.

Still, the Rowan County Board of Elections has discontinued issuing free voter ID cards to avoid voter confusion.

Directed by the State Board of Elections, the county’s Board of Elections, along with the other county boards in the state, have updated their websites with the latest information about the injunction and remove any signs indicating photo ID is required to vote.

“The State Board is working diligently to make sure voters are informed that photo ID is not required in the March primary,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections.

Voters with questions may call the photo ID informational hotline at 919-814-0744.

The State Board of Elections has stopped statewide mailers to North Carolina households. The board warns counties that may continue to receive inquiries on the law and injunction.

The primary is March 3. In-person early voting begins Feb. 14. Absentee by-mail ballots are scheduled to go out beginning Jan. 13.

Budd announces 13th District Service Academy Nomination Board

U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, R-13, has announced the 13th District Service Academy Nomination Board.

The nomination board met Saturday at Davidson County Community College to review applications, interview candidates, and recommend those qualified for nominations to the various service academies. The board consists of veterans and community leaders from across the 13th District.  

The members of the 2020 service academy nomination board are Mr. Ronald Hope of Advance, Mr. Matt Reyes of Mooresville, Mr. Doug Lain of High Point, Mrs. Rayne Brown of Lexington, Mr. Wayne Davidson of Greensboro, Mr. John Sherden of Mocksville, and Mr. Frank Pugh of Greensboro. 

No members are from Rowan County.

“I am grateful to the service academy nomination board for their service to the 13th District and I’d like to welcome our two newest members,” Budd said. “One of the most rewarding responsibilities of a member of Congress is to nominate students to the service academies and I look forward to the honor of announcing our nominees in the coming weeks.”

Anyone interested in receiving a nomination to a United States service academy for 2020 should contact Rep. Budd’s office at 336-998-1313 or by mail at 128 Peachtree Lane, Suite A, Advance, NC 27006. More information about service academies can also be found on Rep. Budd’s website at Budd.house.gov.