N.C. Governor Signs Sweeping Voter ID Bill Into Law

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (TheBlaze/AP) -- North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has signed into law a fiercely contested initiative making sweeping changes in how and when the state's voters can cast their ballots.

Hours after Monday's signing, the American Civil Liberties Union announced it and two other groups had filed a lawsuit challenging the legislation. The Republican-backed measure was opposed since it was proposed.

N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory address the NC GOP convention Saturday, June 8, 2013 in Charlotte, N.C. Credit: AP

There was no bill-signing ceremony. McCrory's office issued a statement saying he signed the legislation and posted a 95-second message on YouTube giving his reasons.

In the video, he called the measures he signed into law, including voter ID requirements, "common sense."

"You need photo ID to board an airplane, to cash a check and even to apply for most government benefits," he said. "Our right to vote deserves similar protection."

He also said voter ID won't be required until the 2016 election to give people enough time to acquire identification. McCrory slammed the "scare tactics" being used by the left to argue against voter ID laws.

Watch the video below:

Republicans have said the legislation is meant to prevent voter fraud, which they claim is both rampant and undetected. But voting rights groups and Democrats have suggested the true goal was to suppress voter turnout, especially among blacks, the young, the elderly and the poor.

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