North Carolina 2019-2020 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 14 D · 1 I cosponsors

HB 589 — Let NC Vote Act.

Last action — Passed 1st Reading

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2019-2020 Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

593 added · 590 removed

Plain-language change summary

The changes to House Bill 589 clarify how voters can apply for registration through automatic voter registration and the various methods they can submit their applications, such as by mail or in person. The updates ensure that county boards of elections accept these applications and outline responsibilities regarding delegation of submission, emphasizing the importance of meeting registration deadlines. This matters because it aims to simplify the voting process and increase voter participation by making registration more accessible and straightforward.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA H.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2019 H 1 HOUSE BILL 589 Short Title:
589 Apr 3, 2019 SESSION 2019 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK H D HOUSE BILL DRH10338-ST-2 Short Title:
Representatives Meyer, Morey, Farmer-Butterfield, and John (PrimarySponsors).
Representatives Meyer, Morey, Farmer-Butterfield, and John (Primary Sponsors).
For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION AT DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICES, PUBLIC AGENCIES, COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM;
Elections and Ethics Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House April 4, 2019 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION AT DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICES, PUBLIC AGENCIES, COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM;
(c) Agency Application Form.Application.
*H589-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 (c) Agency Application Form.Application.
163A-884." *DRH10338-ST-2* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 SECTION 1.2.
163A-884." SECTION 1.2.
If the applicant states that the applicant is not a citizen of the United States, or declines to answer the question, the person taking the application shall inform the applicant that it is a felony for a person who is not a citizen of the United States to apply to register to vote.
If the applicant states that the applicant is not a citizen of the United States, or declines to answer the question, the person taking the application shall inform the applicant that it is a felony for a Page 2 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 person who is not a citizen of the United States to apply to register to vote.
If a previous address is listed, and it is not in the county of residence of the Page 2 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 applicant, the appropriate countyboard of elections shall treat the application as an authorization to cancel the previous registration and also process it as such under the procedures of G.S.
If a previous address is listed, and it is not in the county of residence of the applicant, the appropriate countyboard of elections shall treat the application as an authorization to cancel the previous registration and also process it as such under the procedures of G.S.
However, any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false information on the application [described in subsection (a) of this section]described under this section is guilty of a Class I felony.
However, any person who willfully and knowingly and with fraudulent intent gives false House Bill 589-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 information on the application [described in subsection (a) of this section]described under this section is guilty of a Class I felony.
– The Department of Transportation jointly with the State Board shall develop and operate a computerized interface to match information in the DRH10338-ST-2 Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 database of the statewide voter registration system with the drivers license information in the Division of Motor Vehicles to the extent required to enable the State Board and the Department of Transportation to verify the accuracy of the information provided on applications for voter registration, whether the applications were received at drivers license offices or elsewhere.
– The Department of Transportation jointly with the State Board shall develop and operate a computerized interface to match information in the database of the statewide voter registration system with the drivers license information in the Division of Motor Vehicles to the extent required to enable the State Board and the Department of Transportation to verify the accuracy of the information provided on applications for voter registration, whether the applications were received at drivers license offices or elsewhere.
– A Beginning January 1, 2020, a voter registration agency described in subsection (a)ofthis section shall, unless theapplicant declines, in writing, to registerto vote:in consultation with the State Board, provide, with each application for service or assistance, and with each recertification, renewal, or change of address relatingto such service or assistance, an application process for automatic voter registration.
– A Beginning January 1, 2020, a voter registration agency described in subsection (a)ofthis section shall, unless theapplicant declines, in writing, to registertovote:in consultation with the State Board, provide, with each application for service or assistance, and with each recertification, renewal, or change of address relatingto such service or assistance, an application process for automatic voter registration.
(3) Provide to each applicant who does not decline to register to vote the same degree of assistance with regard to the completion of the registration application as is provided by the office with regard to the completion of its Page 4 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 ownforms.That theapplicant should not registerif theapplicant does not meet the qualifications described under subdivision (2) of this subsection.
Page 4 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 (3) Provide to each applicant who does not decline to register to vote the same degree of assistance with regard to the completion of the registration application as is provided by the office with regard to the completion of its ownforms.That theapplicant shouldnot registerif theapplicant does not meet the qualifications described under subdivision (2) of this subsection.
– Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring agencies to determine eligibility for voter registration and voting." SECTION 1.5.(a) G.S.
– Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring agencies to determine eligibility for voter registration and voting." House Bill 589-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 SECTION 1.5.(a) G.S.
DRH10338-ST-2 Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 The State Board, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall jointly develop and implement educational programs and procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at the time they are restored to citizenship and all filings required have been completed under Chapter 13 of the General Statutes.
The State Board, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall jointly develop and implement educational programs and procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at the time they are restored to citizenship and all filings required have been completed under Chapter 13 of the General Statutes.
c.
Page 6 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 c.
Page 6 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 d.
d.
"(15) Automatic voter registration.
House Bill 589-First Edition Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 "(15) Automatic voter registration.
– Beginning January 1, 2020, the Board of Governors, in consultation with the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and DRH10338-ST-2 Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 Ethics Enforcement, shall provide each person who is enrolled and registering for courses as a student in a State college or university in The University of North Carolina System the option for automatic voter registration as follows:
– Beginning January 1, 2020, the Board of Governors, in consultation with the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement, shall provide each person who is enrolled and registering for courses as a student in a State college or university in The University of North Carolina System the option for automatic voter registration as follows:
e.
Page 8 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 e.
– Applications to register accepted by a State college or university in The University of North Carolina System shall entitle a registrant to vote in any primary, Page 8 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 general, or special election unless the registrant shall have made application later than the twenty-fifth calendar day immediately preceding such primary, general, or special election, provided that nothing shall prohibit State colleges or universities in The University of North Carolina System from continuing to accept applications during that period.
– Applications to register accepted by a State college or university in The University of North Carolina System shall entitle a registrant to vote in any primary, general, or special election unless the registrant shall have made application later than the twenty-fifth calendar day immediately preceding such primary, general, or special election, provided that nothing shall prohibit State colleges or universities in The University of North Carolina System from continuing to accept applications during that period.
If a person declines to vote immediately, the registration shall be processed, and the person may later vote at a one-stop voting site under this section in the same election, if the early one-stop period has not closed.
If a person declines to vote immediately, the House Bill 589-First Edition Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 registration shall be processed, and the person may later vote at a one-stop voting site under this section in the same election, if the early one-stop period has not closed.
DRH10338-ST-2 Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 (d) Verification of Registration;
(d) Verification of Registration;
(1) If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validlysubmitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election, (2) If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanned document, must be received by the county board of elections by a time established by that board, but no earlier than 5:00 P.M., on the twenty-fifth day before the primary or election, (3) If submitted through a delegatee who violates the duty set forth in subsection (a) of this section, must be signed by the applicant and given to the delegatee not later than 25 days before the primary or election, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section." SECTION 2.4.
(1) If submitted by mail, must be postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, except that any mailed application on which the postmark is missing or unclear is validlysubmitted if received in the mail not later than 20 days before the primary or election, (2) If submitted in person, by facsimile transmission, or by transmission of a scanned document, must be received by the county board of elections by a time established by that board, but no earlier than 5:00 P.M., on the twenty-fifth day before the primary or election, (3) If submitted through a delegatee who violates the duty set forth in subsection (a) of this section, must be signed by the applicant and given to the delegatee not later than 25 days before the primary or election, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section." Page 10 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 SECTION 2.4.
Page 10 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 "(d) Voting When Identification Numbers Do Not Match.
"(d) Voting When Identification Numbers Do Not Match.
163A-866.5." DRH10338-ST-2 Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 PART III.
163A-866.5." House Bill 589-First Edition Page 11 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 2 PART III.
163A-865(d)(2) shall be treated as timely made for an election, and no person who Page 12 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 completes an application at that drivers license office shall be denied the vote in that election for failure to apply earlier than that deadline.
163A-865(d)(2) shall be treated as timely made for an election, and no person who Page 12 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 completes an application at that drivers license office shall be denied the vote in that election for failure to apply earlier than that deadline.
163A-863(a) or (b) and has been approved by the State Board, provided that the agency's own form maybeadetachable partoftheagency's paper applicationormay be a paperless computer process, as long as the applicant is required to sign an attestation as part of the application to register.register or preregister.
163A-863(a) or (b) and has been approved by the State Board, provided that the agency's own form maybeadetachable partoftheagency's paper application ormay be a paperless computer process, as long as the applicant is required to sign an attestation as part of the application to register.register or preregister.
(1) Seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration, except that this shall not be construed to prevent the notice provided by DRH10338-ST-2 Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 G.S.
(1) Seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration, except that this shall not be construed to prevent the notice provided by House Bill 589-First Edition Page 13 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 G.S.
The State Board of Education is stronglyencouraged to include, at a minimum, the Page 14 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 following components in the middle school civic and citizenship education standard course of study:
The State Board of Education is stronglyencouraged to include, at a minimum, the Page 14 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 following components in the middle school civic and citizenship education standard course of study:
DRH10338-ST-2 Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 (2) Information to establish that the individual is eligible under this section to register online.
House Bill 589-First Edition Page 15 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 (2) Information to establish that the individual is eligible under this section to register online.
163A-862, once approved bythe county board of elections, becomes backup to the official registration record of the voter.
163A-862, once approved by the countyboard of elections, becomes backup to the official registration record of the voter.
Page 16 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 (a) Photo Identification Required to Vote.
Page 16 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 (a) Photo Identification Required to Vote.
AVeterans IdentificationCardissuedbythe UnitedStatesDepartment of Veterans Affairs for use at Veterans Administration medical facilities.
AVeterans IdentificationCardissuedbytheUnitedStatesDepartment of Veterans Affairs for use at Veterans Administration medical facilities.
– If the registered voter cannot produce the identification as required in subsection (a) of this section, the registered voter may cast a provisional ballot that is counted onlyif the registered voter brings an acceptable form ofphotographidentificationlistedinsubsection(a)ofthissectiontothecountyboardofelections no later than the end of business on the business day prior to the canvass by the county board of elections as provided in G.S.
– If the registered voter cannot produce the identification as required in subsection (a) of this section, the registered voter may cast a provisional ballot that is counted onlyif the registered voter brings an acceptable form ofphotographidentificationlistedinsubsection(a)ofthissectionto thecountyboardofelections no later than the end of business on the business day prior to the canvass by the county board of elections as provided in G.S.
The State Board shall provide the registered voter DRH10338-ST-2 Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 casting a provisional ballot due to failure to provide photo identification an information sheet on the deadline to return to the county board of elections to present photo identification, and what forms of photo identification are acceptable, in order for the voter's provisional ballot to be counted.
The State Board shall provide the registered voter House Bill 589-First Edition Page 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 casting a provisional ballot due to failure to provide photo identification an information sheet on the deadline to return to the county board of elections to present photo identification, and what forms of photo identification are acceptable, in order for the voter's provisional ballot to be counted.
(2) ReasonableImpediment.
(2) Reasonable Impediment.
If the registered voter checks the "other reasonable impediment" box, a further brief written identification of the Page 18 DRH10338-ST-2 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 reasonable impediment shall be required, including the option to indicate that State or federal law prohibits listing the impediment.
If the registered voter checks the "other reasonable impediment" box, a further brief written identification of the Page 18 House Bill 589-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2019 reasonable impediment shall be required, including the option to indicate that State or federal law prohibits listing the impediment.
– Thepurposeoftheidentificationrequired pursuant to subsection (a)ofthis section is to confirm the person presenting to vote is the registered voter on the voter registration records.
– Thepurposeoftheidentificationrequiredpursuant to subsection (a)ofthis section is to confirm the person presenting to vote is the registered voter on the voter registration records.
DRH10338-ST-2 Page 19
House Bill 589-First Edition Page 19
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Action History

  1. Passed 1st Reading

  2. Ref to the Com on Elections and Ethics Law, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

  3. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 27 co-sponsors · 149 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (27)

Not signed on (149)

149 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 149 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

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elections
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 589?
HB 589 is sponsored by Meyer, Marcia Morey (Democratic), Farmer-Butterfield, Alexander, Autry, Cynthia Ball (Democratic), Mary Belk (Democratic), Deb Butler (Democratic), Clemmons, Fisher, Gailliard, Graham, Pricey Harrison (Democratic), Holley, Insko, Lucas, Queen, Robert T. Reives, II (Democratic), Russell, Terry, R. Smith, Nasif Majeed (U), Carolyn G. Logan (Democratic), Zack Hawkins (Democratic), Allison A. Dahle (Democratic), Tracy Clark (Democratic), Becky Carney (Democratic), Cecil Brockman (Democratic), Eric Ager (Democratic), and Joe John (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 589?
This bill died with 2019-2020 Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 589?
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