Bill > S457

This bill establishes automatic voter registration for North Carolina residents at various state agencies, beginning with the Division of Motor Vehicles in January 2026 and expanding to community colleges and universities in January 2027. Under the new system, when eligible individuals apply for or renew a driver's license, register for community college courses, or enroll in a University of North Carolina system institution, they will be automatically registered to vote unless they specifically decline. The bill requires agencies to inform applicants about voting qualifications, potential criminal penalties for providing false information, and the option to decline registration. Each agency must electronically transmit registration applications to the appropriate county board of elections within five business days. The State Board of Elections is also mandated to conduct an education and outreach campaign to inform citizens about the new automatic voter registration procedures. The bill includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of individuals who decline registration and clarifies that agencies are not responsible for determining voter eligibility. The goal is to make voter registration more accessible and streamlined by integrating it into routine government interactions.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S457