on January 1, though the photo ID requirement does not begin until 2016.

The judge said the groups challenging the law could pursue legal action that likely would result in a hearing next summer to determine if parts of the law should be temporarily blocked.

A full trial would be held during the summer of 2015 at the earliest.

Democratic U.S. Senator Kay Hagan is among those up for re-election in North Carolina in 2014. The outcome of her race could help determine whether Republicans or Democrats hold a majority in the U.S. Senate for the last two years of President Barack Obama's final term.

Thursday's hearing drew several dozen people who said they oppose the new voting provisions and believe the legal limbo will confuse voters.

"This is not about just blackOn the afternoon of Sunday April 21, 2013, BOUDICCA arrived slightly earlier than expected on her maiden turnaround call at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal. She had sailed from Portsmouth on Saturday. Unlike some positioning sailings there did not appear to be a mini cruise being offered in the Fred Olsen Brochure, though close inspection of photographs appeared to reveal one or two passengers on board. The weather was not too promising as she emerged out of a rainy murk off the radar tower and made her way up river.

By the time she had reached Egremont Ferry the weather had started to improve and the sun started to shine on her hull as she completed a turn to berth bow out at Liverpool Cruise Terminal with a helpful push