Opposing view Reforms bolster election integrity

Imagine if the Transportation Security Administration decided airline passengers no longer need a photo ID. Providing a name and destination would be good enough to board an airplane. No doubt, the public and our national elected representatives wouldn’t stand for such lax protection.

Law I signed ensures N. C. will remain a national leader in ballot access

Similar concern has been expressed by new residents of North Carolina when they discover a photo ID isn’t required at the polls. They’re amazed that providing a name and address is all it takes to get inside the voting booth.

Newcomers aren’t the only ones concerned. The vast majority of North Carolinians believe that photo ID should be required to cast a vote.

In 2016, photo ID will be required to vote in North Carolina, just as it is today when citizens cash a check, apply for government benefits or even when buying cold remedies such as Sudafed.

The need for photo ID has been questioned by those who say voter fraud isn’t a problem in North Carolina. However, assuming fraud isn’t a threat when multimillion dollar campaigns are trying to win in a state where millions of votes are cast is like believing oversight isn’t needed against Wall Street insider trading.

The changes we’re making in early voting have been called restrictive by liberals and the news media. That’s not true. While the early voting calendar has been shortened, the actual number of hours a voter has to cast an early ballot is unchanged.

Going forward, early voting sites will now be open longer, and uniform days of operation will guarantee every voter has an equal opportunity to cast an early ballot.

When our reforms are fully implemented, North Carolina will remain a national leader in ballot access, a fact you might find surprising given the hypocritical national reporting.

The New York Times characterized North Carolina as a leader in voter suppression. Yet, North Carolina has 10 days of early voting. New York offers none. North Carolina has no- excuse absentee voting. New York does not.

In reality, the legislation I signed into law keeps North Carolina in the mainstream of election law, not the fringes.

Photo ID has made flying safer and prevents fraud in government programs. Photo ID has become a part of everyday life in America, and our individual vote deserves the same protection.