North Carolina voters are once again being put in the middle of administrative decisions that risk creating confusion during an election year. If you or someone you know recently received a letter from the North Carolina State Board of Elections about an “unvalidated” identification number, here is what you need to know and what to do next.
This post is meant to provide clarity and direct you to a recent commentary from our Executive Director, Melissa Price Kromm, explaining the issue in more detail.
First, the most important point
If you received one of these letters, you are still registered to vote.
You are still eligible to cast a regular ballot.
More than 241,000 voters across the state received these notices, but the letters did not clearly say that voters remain eligible.
That lack of clarity is part of what has caused widespread confusion and concern.
In many cases, the issue is not fraud or ineligibility. It is routine administrative problems such as name changes, formatting differences, or clerical errors.
Why this matters
In a state that has experienced years of baseless claims about voter fraud, a large election-season mailing like this does not feel routine to voters. It feels like a warning.
That kind of uncertainty can discourage eligible voters from showing up, which undermines confidence in the election system.
Many of the letters were also sent to long-time or “legacy” voters who have been registered for decades, including older NCians who have voted regularly for years.
For those voters, the notices have caused unnecessary fear and frustration.
What you should do if you received a letter
- Do not panic. You are still registered.
- Keep the letter for your records.
- If you have questions, contact your local county board of elections.
- You can also call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 888-OUR-VOTE for assistance.
Read the full commentary
To understand the broader context and why these decisions matter for voter confidence in North Carolina, read the full commentary from Melissa Price Kromm:
When election administration mirrors election overreach
The piece explains how these administrative choices, especially when poorly communicated, can mirror the kinds of overreach that undermine trust in elections instead of strengthening it.
Our commitment
At NC For The People, we believe elections should be centered on participation, clarity, and trust. Voters should not have to sort through confusing letters or worry that routine paperwork will keep them from the polls.
If you or someone in your community has questions, reach out. We are here to make sure every eligible N.C. voter has the information they need to cast a ballot with confidence.