Sections 1 and 2 amend GS 163-82.3 and GS 163-82.6 authorizing county boards of elections to accept automatic voter registration.

Section 3 amends GS 163-82.19 to require, beginning July 1, 2018, the Division of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the State Board of Elections, to develop and implement a method by which eligible individuals shall be automatically registered to vote.  Requires DMV officials taking driver's license applications to affirmatively inquire whether the applicant wishes to register to vote, note the applicant's response, and register the applicant to vote if the applicant wishes.  The applicant must attest to the information provided for voter registration.  Confidentiality of voter information must be maintained by the State Board of Elections.

Section 4 amends GS 163-82.20 to require, beginning July 1, 2019, voter registration agencies (which include state offices that accept applications for public assistance, services for persons with disabilities, and unemployment benefits) to develop and implement, in consultation with the State Board of Elections, a method by which eligible individuals shall be automatically registered to vote.  Specifies certain procedural requirements substantially similar to those provided for in Section 3 of the bill.

Section 5 amends GS 163-82.20A to authorize automatic voter registration at the time of restoration of citizenship.

Section 6 requires the State Board of Elections to develop education and outreach programs to inform voters of automatic registration opportunities.

Section 7 appropriates from the General Fund for 2017-18 $118,650 to DMV, $185,000 to the DHHS Division of Central Management and Support, and $56,000 to the DHHS Division of Public Health to implement the act; also appropriates $16,664 in 2018-19 to the DMV.

Sections 1-3 and 5, authorizing automatic voter registration, are effective July 1, 2018. Section 4 is effective January 1, 2019. Appropriations are effective July 1, 2017.