“If I hadn't had this opportunity to renew my ID then I might not have registered to vote for the first time, so I thank VoteRiders for that,” says first-time voter.

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Seiyonna, a 21 year-old Nebraska resident, contacted VoteRiders for help renewing her driver’s license and registering to vote for the first time. 

For the first time in her life, Seiyonna Terrell has the chance to vote for the candidates she believes can lead the United States toward a brighter future.

At just twenty-one years old, life often feels unpredictable and overwhelming — but participating in the upcoming November general election was one thing Seiyonna knew she could control.

But first, she needed to register to vote and make sure she had the right ID to cast her ballot in Nebraska. A new photo ID law has been in effect in Seiyonna’s home state of Nebraska since April 1, 2024. Now, voters are required to show a photo ID to vote unless they meet one of three exceptions. Luckily, Seiyonna could use her Nebraska driver’s license to vote — but it was expired, and she couldn’t afford to renew it. 

One afternoon in June, Seiyanno came across VoteRiders’ Nebraska Voter ID Information Cards at a Juneteenth Celebration in Omaha. Curious, she decided to stop and take a closer look. After reading about the various forms of IDs that can be used to vote in Nebraska, Seiyonna saw that VoteRiders could help her renew her driver’s license — for free! 

Seiyanno quickly reached out to VoteRiders’ Helpline, where Shelly, a trained VoteRiders’ Voter ID Assistance Volunteer, stepped in to help. Shelly guided Seiyanno on how to apply to renew her driver’s license online and fill out a voter registration form. 

“I thought it was very neat that there is a business out there that helps people get their documents for free and takes care of the transportation and everything,” Seiyanno said.

“If I hadn’t had this opportunity to renew my ID then I might not have registered to vote for the first time — so I thank VoteRiders for that.”

If you or someone you know is looking for ID information or assistance, visit our website to learn how we can help. 

Read More From VoteRiders

Voting Rights Are Disability Rights: Q&A With Arizona Disability Rights Partners

During Disability Voting Rights Week, Renaldo Fowler, Senior Staff Advocate at Disability Rights Arizona, and David Carey, Disability Justice Educator at Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AZSILC), speak with VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator about their collective efforts to empower Arizona’s disability community through advocacy and voter participation. — SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 Tell me about yourself […]

Read More