(RALEIGH) -- Republican state lawmakers say they have removed the photo requirement from a bill that would make voters show ID in order to cast a ballot.

The latest draft eliminates language that would require a photo ID. Instead, individuals would now be allowed to use a county-issued voter registration card or documents such as a utility bill or bank statement.
 
Bill co-sponsor Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett, said lawmakers have made great progress in working with all of the interested parties. “We’ve tried to address those concerns to make sure that we can increase the amount of progress voters have in the elections process while at the same time making sure that everyone entitled to vote gets to vote.”
 
Still, many opponents said removing photo requirement didn’t change their view on the overall bill. Members of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus held a press conference to highlight the group’s concerns that the legislation will disenfranchise seniors, students and minorities.
 
“Any obstacle to access to the polls we think is unjustified when we don’t have a problem,” said Sen. Floyd McKissick, D-Durham. “You’re trying to cure a problem that doesn’t exist.”
 
The House Elections Committee cancelled its 1 p.m. meeting on Wednesday. Lewis said lawmakers needed more time to work out “finite details” before the compromise bill could be brought before the panel.
 
 
Republican state lawmakers say they have removed the photo requirement from a bill that would make voters show ID in order to cast a ballot. But, Rep. Floyd McKissick of Durham says he doesn't see the need for the bill.