RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Opponents of North Carolina's new photo I.D. requirement to vote are hoping a judge will side with them when a trial on the law begins in Winston-Salem. The trial is set for Jan. 25.

Critics say the requirement discriminates against minorities and the poor and should be struck down. Supporters say it is a common sense rule and puts North Carolina in the mainstream of election law.

Last week a federal judge denied the state NAACP's petition to block the requirement in the March 15 primary election.

The NAACP and its allied groups also contend that state Board of Elections education efforts are not satisfactory.