Feeling intimidated about voting while Trans? These resources can help guide you through the process and empower you to make your voice heard.
No one’s identity should impact their right to vote. ID laws and fear of discrimination can make voting an intimidating process, but your vote is powerful! Here are some free tools and resources to help you shape our nation’s future.
ID Issues
While voter ID laws can make voting a more complicated process for anyone, Trans people may face more challenges. Visit VoteRiders’ #TransPeopleVote to check your state’s ID requirements. While your presentation doesn’t need to match the name, photo, or gender marked on your ID, if you choose to change your legal gender, you can head over to Trans Lifeline’s ID Change Library for help! Additional guidance from TRANSform theVote specifies that, your name may have to match but not your presentation with your gender marker; do follow their provided guidance available here.
If you run into any difficulties in regards to presenting one’s ID while registering to vote, message VoteRiders using their online form or call/text their Voter ID hotline at 844-338-8743.
Know your Rights
Discrimination, intimidation, and voter supression at the polls is illegal. Know your rights! Your name and the gender on your ID do not have to match your presentation. Lambda Legal offers a set of infographics on what to do if you’re being challenged at the polls because of your gender presentation. TRANSform the Vote also has a great free one-pager with information for both you and poll workers if difficulties arise while casting a ballot.
You can also help empower other Trans voters by becoming a poll worker. Seeing other members of the community at polling places can help Trans voters feel safe. Sign up at Power the Polls!
To report intimidation at the polls, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA en Español.
Vote by Mail
One way to avoid the fear of discrimination or presentation complications is to vote by mail. Vote by mail laws and processes vary by state. ALLINtoVote.org is a free tool that lets you build your personalized voting plan and request your ballot by mail all in one place.
Additional Resources
VoteRiders – Provides voter ID assistance so that every American can cast a ballot that counts.
Trans Lifeline – A grassroots hotline and microgrants nonprofit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Lambda Legal – A national nonprofit committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
TRANSform the Vote – A nationwide movement of transgender people allies transforming the nation by making their voices heard at the ballot box.
Power the Polls – A national initiative that recruits poll workers to ensure we have safe, fair, efficient elections for all.
Election Protection Hotline – The national, nonpartisan Election Protection Coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count.