Federal Court Upholds Controversial Voter ID Law in North Carolina

Fri Mar 27 2026 01:27:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A federal judge has ruled in favor of North Carolina's photo voter identification law, dismissing claims of racial discrimination from civil rights groups. Despite the ruling, concerns persist about the law's impact on minority voters.

In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs upheld North Carolina's voter ID law, stating it is constitutional despite the objections from civil rights advocates that it was designed to disenfranchise Black and Latino voters. The law was passed in 2018 and has faced ongoing legal challenges. Critics highlight potential barriers for minority voters while supporters argue that the law enhances election integrity. The decision reflects ongoing tensions regarding voter ID laws across the country.

RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal judge in North Carolina has confirmed the legality of the state's photo voter identification law, a move that has sparked significant debate about its implications for minority voters. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs ruled in a case brought by several civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, asserting that the law was enacted with discriminatory intent against Black and Latino citizens.

The voter ID law, enacted by Republican legislators in late 2018 shortly after a constitutional amendment was passed by voters, aims to necessitate photo identification for individuals wishing to vote. Phil Berger, the state Senate leader, celebrated the ruling as a validation of the law's constitutionality, stating that it puts to rest doubts surrounding its legitimacy.

During the trial held earlier this spring, lawyers for the NAACP presented evidence suggesting that the law disproportionately impacts minority voters by imposing barriers to obtaining identification. Judge Biggs recognized that the burden of acquiring IDs falls more heavily on Black and Latino voters. However, she emphasized that existing court precedents requiring deference to the presumption of good faith among lawmakers complicated the case.

Despite the judge's ruling, Debbie Dicks Maxwell, president of the state NAACP, expressed disappointment, insisting that the decision overlooks documented barriers that minority voters face in acquiring IDs. Meanwhile, supporters of the law argue that its provisions are among the most lenient in the U.S., offering multiple forms of allowable identification.

The 2018 law remains in effect as North Carolina prepares for upcoming elections, and officials have been distributing free photo ID cards at various locations statewide. While the ruling is perceived as a victory for proponents of stricter voting regulations, the battle over voter ID legislation continues to divide opinions across the nation.