Voting is an important part of making sure your voice is heard. While it can sometimes feel like you as a single person can’t make much of a difference, it’s important to remember that each of us can have an impact on elections. Remember that national elections are not the only ones that matter—there are local and state elections too, plus there are often ballot measures that are up for decision.
This legislative session alone more than 530 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across the country. Our access to healthcare, and to equal rights across a range of issues, are at stake in every election, but now more than ever.
It’s especially important to know which issues might affect the LGBTQIA+ community and make sure you’re equipped with the information you need to make informed decisions. To make sure you’re prepared for voting day, it’s always good to have a plan. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you feel confident when election day comes.
1. Register to vote.
Be sure to check your voter registration or register to vote. It only takes a couple of minutes to register if you haven’t already done so. Make sure you check your state’s voter registration deadline so you don’t miss it. Some states allow you to register in person on Election Day, while others require advance registration.
2. Check your voting options.
Are you planning on voting in person on election day? Or do you want to vote early? Look into your state’s policies on absentee or mail-in voting, or in-person early voting options.
3. See if ID is needed to vote in your state.
Depending on your state, you may need ID in order to vote. You can check this map here or check here for even more detailed information. If ID is needed in your state, make sure your name and address on your voter registration matches the name and address on your ID. Your gender identity or gender presentation does not need to match your name, photo, or gender marker. See our guide on voting while trans here.
4. Research candidates and ballot measures.
Make sure you know who is running and what measure might be on the ballot! This is very important in making sure you know who you’re voting for and which proposals you’ll want to vote yes or no on. These ballot measures can have a significant impact on your local community, so make sure you’re prepared. You can see exactly which candidates and proposals will be on your ballot by entering your address here.
5. Make an election day plan.
Come up with a plan for election day so you know exactly where and when you will vote. A few things to consider:
- Make sure you know your in-person polling location if you’re voting day of.
- Get detailed information about voting rules in your state here, including polling hours, time off from work to vote, the type of ballot or voting machine you will use, and more.
- Plan the time you will go and know that you may have to wait in line to vote.
- Talk to friends and family and see if you can go together. Getting other folks to vote is a great way to stay accountable!
With these steps, you can feel more confident for election day. Remember, your voice is important, and the more folks you can bring with you to the polls, the better!
If you’re a FOLX member, join our election day chat in the Community Platform and let us know you voted. We’ll be in there all day long, hanging out and supporting each other.
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FOLX Health is the first digital healthcare company designed by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our services include primary care, gender-affirming hormone therapy including estrogen and testosterone (HRT), mental health care, sexual and reproductive health care, and fertility consultations. FOLX memberships give you access to LGBTQIA+ expert clinicians, peer support, thousands of LGBTQIA+ resources, and more. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, gender non-conforming, nonbinary, or another identity, you can find LGBTQ-specialized health care that helps you meet your wellness goals. Get all the benefits of becoming a FOLX member and sign up today!
