Voting While Trans - Your Vote Counts, Make Sure It Gets Counted
Voting as a trans person? Get your documents and voter info in order before Election Day. Here are some steps and resources to make the process smoother:
- Check your voter registration: Visit the National Association of Secretaries of State website can I vote page to verify your registration details, including your name and address. Make sure the name on your voter registration matches the name on your ID. If you recently changed your legal name or gender marker, update your registration and ID as soon as possible.
- Understand your state's voter ID requirements: Voter ID laws vary by state, so it's important to know what documents you need. Visit 866ourvote.org Election Protection or contact your local election office for more information. If your ID does not reflect your name or your gender presentation, consider bringing additional documents like a utility bill or a court order verifying your legal name change.
- Update your records: If you've changed your name or gender marker, update your voter registration to match. If you missed the deadline to update your registration, you may still be able to vote, but bring supporting documents just in case.
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Prepare for Election Day:
- Bring all required documents, including ID and any proof of residency, if needed.
- Carry the National Center for Transgender Equality's Voting While Trans Guide.
- Consider bringing a friend to the polls for support.
- Make a Voting Plan: Think through how you'll vote: early, absentee, or on Election Day. Make sure you have all necessary documents ready and know your polling location and hours.
- Know your Rights: You have the right to vote, even if your ID doesn't reflect your correct gender. If you run into problems or discrimination at the polls, help is out there.
Additional Resources:
- Election Protection Hotline (Nonpartisan): 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683). 866ourvote.org This hotline provides assistance if you experience discrimination
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860, translifeline.org Trans Lifeline offers emotional support. It's not voting specific, but they may have resources to help you as a trans voter.
- ACLU Voting Rights Project: aclu.org/issues/voting-rights. The ACLU can provide information about your voting rights and offer assistance if you experience discrimination.
- Lambda Legal: 1-866-542-8336, lambdalegal.org. Lambda Legal offers legal assistance to LGBTQIA+ folks facing voter suppression or discrimination.
- National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) - Voting While Trans Guide: transequality.org. NCTE provides a guide on voting while trans, with tips on handling ID issues and getting through the voting process as a trans person.
- Vote Riders: voteriders.org. Provides ID assistance. If you have challenges at the polls you can call VoteRiders at 844-338-8743 for help with Voter ID laws and support for trans voters.
There are lots of resources to help make sure you can vote. Our voices are important in this and every election. Your vote counts, make sure that your vote gets counted.