Strict Photo ID Laws Reduce Voter Turnout, Even When Repealed in North Carolina

Exact Matching, Difference-in-Differences Design

Researchers analyzed voter turnout effects in North Carolina after photo identification laws were implemented and later repealed. The study found that these laws disproportionately hurt low-education voters lacking IDs.

Key Findings

• A 0.7pp turnout drop for ID-less voters during the primary election relative to those with IDs
• Persistently lower likelihood of voting among ID-less groups in subsequent elections despite law suspension (2.6pp less likely in 2016 general, 1.7pp in 2018)

Why It Matters

This research demonstrates that voter ID laws have lasting negative effects on turnout for citizens unable to obtain IDs, suggesting potential long-term barriers to voting rights even after legal changes.