ballot_box.jpegRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolina has starting issuing free photo identification cards in preparation for new voter requirements.

On Thursday, the state Division of Motor Vehicles started issuing the photo ID cards to people who don't have other forms of identification.

The photo requirement, which would start with the 2016 presidential election, was part of a sweeping 2013 election reform bill approved at the end of last year's legislative session. It also changed dozens of other voting and campaign rules.

Groups including the U.S. Justice Department, the state chapter of the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union have sued Gov. Pat McCrory and the North Carolina Board of Elections over the voting changes.

A judge has said no trial will happen until after the 2014 elections.