“It was very upsetting to see that people want to stop me from voting,” says Indiana voter after being denied a provisional ballot

Alyssa White, a 30-year-old mother who recently moved to Indiana, was denied the opportunity to cast a provisional ballot on Election Day. After sharing her experience with a friendly bystander with helpful connections, Alyssa defended her right to vote with the help of an attorney. With continued support from VoteRiders, Alyssa obtained a new Indiana state ID and ensured her vote counted.

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — DECEMBER 16, 2024

When 30-year-old Alyssa White got to the polls on Election Day, she knew she would have to cast a provisional ballot because she didn’t have the required photo ID to vote in Indiana. She didn’t have a photo ID at all. 

Alyssa and her son were new to Indiana. After being unhoused for quite some time, they’d finally secured stable housing and settled into their new home. Then, one day on her way to the post office, Alyssa lost her Kentucky state ID. 

“I couldn’t do anything without my ID,” Alyssa explained. “I couldn’t get a library card for my son, cash a check, apply for benefits — nothing.”

 Luckily, Alyssa saw an ad for free ID help on Instagram and learned that VoteRiders could help her get a new state ID for free. Janet, a dedicated VoteRiders volunteer, began assisting Alyssa in gathering the necessary documents to obtain one. But, just as things were moving forward, Alyssa’s father unexpectedly passed away. Everything was put on hold, including obtaining a new ID. 

“I was going through a lot,” Alyssa admitted. “And then I’m like, I still have to vote and think about the future as well.”

Though she didn’t have a photo ID, VoteRiders reassured Alyssa that she could register to vote using her Social Security number and could cast a provisional ballot if her ID didn’t arrive in time for Election Day. But, when Alyssa went to the polls on November 5 with no ID, she was told she couldn’t vote. When she requested a provisional ballot, the poll worker contacted an election official who said: “No. Absolutely no provisional ballots at all.” 

“I thought that was odd,” Alyssa recounted. “I knew I had the legal right to put in a provisional ballot. Just because you want the election results the same day or whatever the case is — you can’t just deny somebody their right to vote. I was very angry because you get to use your voice to determine who will be a good fit to lead the country and protect and push for your rights — so it was very upsetting to see that people want to stop me from voting.” 

Stunned, Alyssa turned around and walked outside. She had never been denied her right to vote before. As she stood outside, she shared her experience with a woman nearby who agreed that what Alyssa experienced wasn’t right. Luckily, she knew who to call. Soon after, the woman’s colleague, an attorney, arrived at the polling location ready to advocate for Alyssa’s right to vote. Alyssa pointed to the poll worker who had denied her a provisional ballot, and the attorney approached her. 

“She wanted to know who she spoke to in the courthouse,” Alyssa explained. “She told the attorney who she spoke to and then they had some words and she went ahead and allowed me to cast a provisional ballot…that really meant a lot to me. It made me feel really good about the community that I have moved into.”

With continued help from VoteRiders, Alyssa was able to secure her Indiana state ID within the next week and make her provisional ballot count. Janet helped Alyssa request and pay for the necessary documents, schedule an appointment at the DMV, and even arranged a free ride to take her there and back.  

“Janet was super good to me and helpful,” said Alyssa.”She made it easy for me. She walked me through everything, gave me every detail I needed, and sorted everything out for me. It was a very smooth process all in all.” 

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