Dare County elections board approves absentee ballots with ID photocopies and exception forms

At an absentee-ballot meeting, the Dare County Board of Elections approved two absentee ballots that included photocopies of drivers— licenses and three absentee ballots submitted with photo ID exception forms, after reviewing state guidance and the forms themselves.

The actions came after staff read from Numbered Memo 2020-25 and explained that a photo ID exception form is a public record but may contain confidential information that must be redacted when submitted with an absentee ballot. Staff said that one option on the form requires a voter who cannot provide a photocopy to supply a North Carolina driver—s license number, DMV ID number or the last four digits of their Social Security number; a different option indicates the voter does not have a photo ID and therefore would not provide identification numbers.

The board separated three ballots that were accompanied by exception forms from other ballots and first considered two ballots that contained photocopies of photo IDs. A board member moved to approve the two ballots and another member seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The board then considered the three ballots accompanied by photo ID exception forms. After discussion about whether to vote on them individually and a review of the numbered memos, the board approved all three. Chair (presiding officer) summarized the memos— guidance and said, "The presumption goes with the voter," reflecting the instruction that, absent evidence of falsity, the voter—s sworn statement on the exception form should be accepted.

During processing, staff identified one ballot that had too many ovals filled in a single contest. Staff presented two options: return the ballot to the voter or cast it as marked while assuming the voter—s intent. The board chose to cast the ballot as marked.

Elections staff provided a report of counts and deadlines: 57 absentee ballots had been issued for military/overseas and civilian voters to date, 15 absentee ballots had been returned and scanned including ballots processed at the meeting, 706 people had voted early and total ballots cast were 721 as of 2:30 p.m. The director also noted the last day to request a civilian absentee ballot had been Oct. 21 and that the UOCAVA (military/overseas) request deadline is Nov. 3, 2025, at 5 p.m.

The board also voted to move its scheduled Nov. 3 pre-election meeting start time from 5:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. so the board could swear in its incoming fifth member at that meeting.

Formal actions taken at the meeting included approval of the two absentee ballots with photocopies, approval of three absentee ballots with photo ID exception forms, and a motion to change the Nov. 3 meeting time. The meeting was adjourned at 3:34 p.m.

The board and staff said they relied on state-issued numbered memos for guidance when reviewing exception forms; staff referenced Numbered Memo 2020-25 and said another memo (202303) provided additional clarification.