RALEIGH -- The North Carolina DMV and State Board of Elections are working together to provide free voter ID cards before next year's election.

A new law states that on Jan. 1, 2016, all registered voters will have to provide a photo ID in order to cast a ballot. 

"If you have the intellect and the poise to vote, be given that chance. We exclude people so easily, let's include people more easily,” said Elizabeth Owens.

Raleigh voter Elizabeth Owens understands the difficulties of driving to cast your vote all too well. Her daughter cannot drive and uses the help of a motorized chair to get around.

While it’s a special circumstance, Josh Lawson with the State Board of Elections says Owens is not alone, and it’s important that everyone have access and opportunity to vote which is why the state DMV is issuing free voter ID cards.

"We have all kinds of folks that seek out this free ID card. Folks that are homeless, individuals who don't drive, anybody in North Carolina who can prove their ID is able and eligible to go ahead and get this free ID," said Josh Lawson of the North Carolina Board of Elections.

And under the state’s new voter ID law, you’ll need an acceptable form of ID if you plan to show up at the polls in 2016.

The cards are available at all DMV locations. But make sure to bring documents that verify your age, identity, address and social security number.

But if you don't have the proper identification at this moment, there's still other options.

"Due to new legislation enacted just this past week, you can sign saying that you've had a reasonable impediment to getting an ID, but you still got to go ahead and work toward getting that ID, and we encourage you to do it,” said Lawson.

And Gov. Pat McCrory commended the amendment to the Voter ID Act, ensuring your voice could be heard at the polls.

"I think it's a good change to ensure that we protect the integrity of voting and further improves the bill and any improvements I can make on any bill I encourage those improvements,” said Gov. McCrory.

The DMV says it has issued 1,000 cards since January 2014. Applications for ID cards can be filled out at any driver license office. The DMV says to allow 10 to 15 days for them to arrive by mail.