Voting in local, state, and national elections is an essential part of having a voice in policies that affect all of us. While there are people who try to create barriers to voting, we all have the right to vote. Those barriers often affect the most marginalized folks in our community, but knowing your rights and how to handle things can help you feel confident when you go to vote. Whether it’s making sure you know your state’s requirements when it comes to ID, looking into voting by mail, or creating a plan with your friends and family for voting day, there are ways to be informed and prepared.
When you’re trans, it might feel both extra overwhelming but also extra important to vote. In our recent survey, we found 95% of us are experiencing negative mental health impacts due to this election, and we really get it. Everything at stake for trans healthcare is just one critically important reason to vote this year. Though one day and one election won’t change everything, it can change a lot.
Check out this voter checklist from our partner, TRANSform the Vote, a nationwide movement to mobilize trans voters and our allies. While this list is written for trans folks, the information is relevant to everyone. Make sure you’re ready for voting day by preparing with these steps.
Being trans, no matter where you’re at in your transition, or whether your appearance matches your current identification, should not be a barrier to voting.
Before Election Day
✅ Check your voter registration status. If you are not registered, register now.
✅ If you’re registered, verify that the name and address on your registration are up to date, and if not, get those updated. The ID Document Center can guide you through the process.
✅ Check to see if any ID is required when you vote in your state and then get the appropriate form of ID if needed.
✅ If ID is needed in your state, make sure your name and address on your voter registration matches your name and address on your ID by the election. But don’t worry if your gender identity or gender presentation doesn’t match your name, photo, or gender marker, as that is not required by law.
✅ Consider signing up to vote by mail, also known as absentee voting, if your state allows it.
✅ After registering to vote, sign up for election reminders to stay updated.
✅ Reach out to friends and family to make a plan to vote together.
On Election Day
✅ If ID is required in your state, bring it. It’s helpful to bring your voter registration card, a utility bill showing the address where you are registered, and this document.
✅ If poll workers question your identity or eligibility to vote, show them a utility bill and the “Information for Poll Workers and Election Officials” section of this document.
✅ If you are still not allowed to vote, look for a volunteer attorney who may be there assisting voters. If no one is around, call the National Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
✅ If you are still not allowed to vote on a regular ballot, request a provisional ballot. If you are forced to use a provisional ballot, ask for follow-up instructions, as you generally must return to election officials within a few days to prove your identity in order for your ballot to be counted. If you cast a provisional ballot, call the Nation Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), which can help you make sure your ballot is counted.
✅ Bring a friend to the polls. Voting together can make the experience more enjoyable and encourages others to participate in democracy.
Be sure to bring a copy of this document with you in case you need to provide the information on the second page to poll workers and election officials. Remember, voting is your right, and as long as your voting name and address matches one of the acceptable forms of ID, they cannot legally deny you. Make a plan with a friend or family member so you don’t have to do it alone. (Check out our article on making a voting plan here.) Now that you are equipped with the information and resources, you’ve got this! 💪
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