VoteRiders Blog

“I feel a lot better now that I don't have to worry when I show my old ID,” Says Pennsylvania Voter

This Transgender Awareness Week, VoteRiders reaffirms our commitment to empowering trans and nonbinary voters with the critical information and resources needed to live and vote with confidence. IDs transform lives by providing access to stable housing, employment, healthcare, voting, and more. Having an ID that accurately reflects a person’s identity can also significantly improve their […]

"It looked like our dreams of voting in this election were dismantling until I came across VoteRiders," Says Georgia Voter

BY Ellene G., GEORGIA VOTER — OCTOBER 29, 2024 My daughter and I had been paying close attention to this particular election. My daughter said, “No more ignoring politics because it’s boring. This election is way too important for that.” Well, indeed, this election is unlike any other and it demands all of our active […]

What is a Provisional Ballot and How to Make it Count

First, what is a provisional ballot? A provisional ballot records your vote when there are questions about your eligibility to cast a regular ballot. Provisional ballots serve as a back-up option to make sure eligible voters aren’t turned away from the polls. In some states, they may be called challenged, affidavit, questioned, or special ballots. […]

“I’m passionate about so many issues. I want to help make a small difference by voting,” Says Arizona voter.

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — OCTOBER 25, 2024 After losing her birth certificate during a move to Arizona, Nicole Karpinski faced major obstacles in getting the ID she needed to vote in the 2024 General Election. With time running out, she discovered VoteRiders, who covered the costs for notary services, a new […]

Who has an ID in Texas & Georgia?

BY LAUREN KUNIS, CEO & DIRECTOR, VOTERIDERS — OCTOBER 25, 2024 As we sprint toward Election Day, I want to share VoteRiders’ newest research into the impact of voter ID laws in two battleground states: Texas and Georgia. Both of these states had voter ID laws in 2020, and both states moved to make them even stricter in […]

Pro Bono Lawyers Work in Service of Democracy

By Ceridwen Cherry, VoteRiders Legal Director – October 23, 2024 October 20-26 is the American Bar Association’s 2024 National Celebration of Pro Bono. For the past 16 years, legal organizations across the United States have participated in the National Celebration of Pro Bono to draw attention to the need for pro bono participation and to […]

Q&A with Texas Rising’s Ofelia Alonso: "Young people in Texas have immense collective power."

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Ofelia Alonso, Director of Texas Rising, spoke with VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator about her organization’s commitment to empowering young Latino communities through civic engagement. Texas Rising works closely with partners like VoteRiders to ensure young Latino voters register and have the information and support they need to overcome barriers […]

“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 […]

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 […]

“Being homeless and going to school with no ID was the most challenging thing,” Says Arizona Voter

After experiencing housing insecurity while studying at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, Jarell Blake was determined to get the ID he needed to secure stable housing, become a registered nurse, and participate in democracy. BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — AUGUST 29, 2024 Jarell didn’t know when things would get easier, […]

Q&A With Vot-ER's Emily Polak: "A Healthy Community Is Powered By a Healthy Democracy"

In celebration of Civic Health Month, Emily Polak, Vice President of Partnerships and Organizing at Vot-ER spoke with VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator about Vot-ER’s nonpartisan mission to create “Healthy communities powered by a healthy democracy.” Through collaborations with organizations like VoteRiders, Vot-ER ensures voters not only register but also have the information and support they […]

59 Years of the Voting Rights Act and Still Lots More To Do

The Voting Rights Act, signed 59 years ago, transformed US elections by empowering millions, especially Black Americans, to vote and have a say in our democratic process. VoteRiders continues this legacy by helping voters overcome ballot box barriers created by voter ID laws to ensure all eligible voters can fully participate in our democracy. BY […]

Q&A With New Disabled South’s Lila Zucker: “The ADA is the floor. Not the ceiling.”

VoteRiders Digital Communications Coordinator Erin Carden spoke with New Disabled South’s Organizing Director Lila Zucker about Disability Pride, the importance of partnership, and what it means to navigate the voting process as a disabled American. — JULY 26, 2024 Tell me about yourself and your role at New Disabled South. My name is Lila Zucker, […]

“People risked their lives to give us the freedom to vote,' Says Wisconsin Voter

Dana S., a 56-year-old Wisconsin resident needed an updated ID to apply for housing and qualify for government assistance, but she couldn’t afford to pay the DMV fee. Luckily, Dana connected with VoteRiders’ Wisconsin Coordinator Jake, who made sure she got the ID she needed to secure support and stability and exercise her right to […]

The SAVE Act Is Dangerous for Democracy

The recently passed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act severely threatens democracy by requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. These measures are unnecessary given existing laws that already prevent noncitizen voting. This legislation disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, potentially disenfranchising millions of eligible voters. The SAVE Act is part of a broader trend of […]

Q&A with Drag Out The Vote's Christopher Diaz: "Every issue is an LGBTQIA+ issue"

VoteRiders Digital Communications Coordinator Erin Carden spoke with Drag Out The Vote’s Executive Director Christopher Diaz about Pride, partnership, and Drag Out The Vote’s mission. — JUNE 25, 2024 Tell me about yourself and your role at Drag Out The Vote. My name is Christopher. My pronouns are he, him, his. And I am the […]

"In My Lifetime, There Hasn't Been a Greater Time To Vote Than Now" Says Alabama Voter

Edward’s life began to spiral after he lost his job and his Alabama state ID was stolen after someone broke into his car. His situation worsened with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left Edward ineligible for government aid without proper identification. Edward faced bureaucratic hurdles and repeated rejections for nearly five years during […]

Empowering Hmoob Voters This AANHPI Heritage Month & Beyond

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, VoteRiders Digital Communications Coordinator Erin Carden spoke with Cia Siab Community Resource Advocate Mai Xiong about their organizations’ combined efforts to increase voter engagement and representation within the Hmoob community in La Crosse, Wisconsin. — MAY 23, 2024 Tell me about yourself and your role at Cia Siab. My […]

VoteRiders CEO Releases Statement on North Carolina’s Voter ID Law Trial

VoteRiders CEO Lauren Kunis released the following statement on the trial over North Carolina’s voter ID law. — MAY 13, 2024 This week, the much-anticipated trial in a federal lawsuit challenging North Carolina’s voter identification law is expected to conclude. VoteRiders is disappointed that our staff in North Carolina were informed they could not testify […]

12 Years Strong: VoteRiders Celebrates Another Impactful National Voter ID Month of Action

VoteRiders marked its 12th anniversary with a robust National Voter ID Month of Action across the country. The initiative saw remarkable success thanks to the collective efforts of partners, volunteers, supporters, and voters. Highlights included: targeted outreach efforts such as letter-writing campaigns, one-on-one assistance training for volunteers, and fundraising achievements through collaborative partnerships. VoteRiders staff […]

“Our Voices Matter,” Says Georgia Muslim Voter Project Organizer & VoteRiders Partner

VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator, Erin Carden, speaks with the Georgia Muslim Voter Project’s Lead Field Canvass Organizer, Noor Al-Baghdadi, about the importance of working together to equip Georgia’s Muslim community with the knowledge and tools they need to feel empowered and make their voices heard at the ballot box. — APRIL 30, 2024 Tell me […]

‘I Feel Freerer’ Says North Carolina Voter After Getting ID

Deana Brotherton, a trans woman who became unhoused in North Carolina, struggled to obtain a state ID due to bureaucratic barriers and financial constraints. With the help of VoteRiders, Deana successfully obtained her ID in January 2024, enabling her to access essential services and vote in North Carolina’s upcoming elections. After she successfully secures stable […]

“I Feel Like I’m Doing Something To Make the World a Little Better,” Says VoteRiders Volunteer

In honor of National Volunteer Month, VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator Erin Carden spoke with Lori Arbuckle, one of our most dedicated and driven volunteers to learn about their volunteer experience, the voters they’ve assisted, and the transformative power an ID can bring to individual lives and our democracy. — APRIL 24, 2024 Tell me about […]

Empowering Women at the Ballot Box: The League of Women Voters on How They’re Breaking down Ballot Box Barriers with Help From VoteRiders

In honor of Women’s History Month, VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator Erin Carden spoke with Jessica Jones Caparell, Director of Government Affairs at the League of Women Voters, about the tremendous power women continue to bring to the ballot box and the steps the League is taking in partnership with VoteRiders to make sure their voices […]

VoteRiders Helps Indiana Voter Track Down 50-Year-Old Documents so She Can Get ID

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR — MARCH 15, 2024 More women are engaging in our democracy than ever before, but confusing and complicated voter ID laws are threatening to silence the power of their votes. This Women’s History Month, VoteRiders is spotlighting one woman who had to track down multiple decades-old marriage licenses and […]

'I'll Vote to Give My Opinion' Says Ohio Voter After Securing New ID

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — MARCH 8, 2024 It had been years since fifty-seven-year-old Annette Pereira had an Ohio ID. “I didn’t have all the paperwork I needed to get one,” she explained. To secure identification, Annette first needed a copy of her New York City birth certificate and a Social Security […]

VoteRiders Works With Justice Reform Groups to Empower Returning Citizens in North Carolina

VoteRiders is proud to work alongside many outstanding organizations to expand and protect the voting rights of Black Americans. In honor of Black History Month, we’re celebrating and uplifting the critical work we’re undertaking alongside our powerful partners to build a more inclusive and equitable democracy. In this partner highlight, VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator speaks […]

New Report Confirms Millions of Americans Lack ID Ahead of 2024 Elections

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — FEBRUARY 14, 2024 Many people mistakenly believe that most citizens in the United States already have government-issued photo identification. The truth is, millions of Americans do not. As the country’s leading organization focused on voter ID education and assistance, we know from our on-the-ground work that far […]

From ID Assistance to Voter Forums, Coraopolis NAACP & VoteRiders Are Making Sure PA Voters Are Prepared for Upcoming Elections

'I Always Feel Like I Helped Somebody' Says VoteRiders Volunteer

VoteRiders Florida Super Volunteer Iris Johnston tells VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator about her inspiration for becoming a VoteRiders volunteer, her work assisting voters at the DMV, and the meaningful impact VoteRiders is having on American lives and our democracy — January 23, 2024. Tell me about yourself. Aside from volunteering with VoteRiders, what do you […]

'You Guys Helped Me With This Headache' Said Texas Voter in Letter To VoteRiders

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — JANUARY, 11, 2024 VoteRiders proudly works alongside thousands of partner organizations to bring free voter ID support to our nation’s most marginalized voters. Our partners include (but are not limited to) democracy groups, schools, and direct service providers, like Men of Nehemiah, an organization offering addiction recovery […]

VoteRiders voter ID assistance volunteer, Shelly

'There Is No More Rewarding Work for Me' Says VoteRiders Voter ID Assistance Volunteer

BY SHELLY JARRETT BROMBERG, VOTER ID ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEER, VOTERIDERS — JANUARY 8, 2024 Shelly Jarrett Bromberg is an outstanding member of VoteRiders’ voter ID assistance volunteer team. Among several achievements, Shelly helped Oklahoma voter Julie Autaubo secure a new ID after years without critical medical care. “When I signed up to volunteer with VoteRiders, […]

VoteRiders' Helpline Volumes Increases by 287%

BY LAUREN KUNIS, CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VOTERIDERS — DECEMBER 30, 2023 Year-round and especially in the lead-up to elections, VoteRiders fields calls and texts from people who are confused or have questions about whether they need to bring an ID to the polls with them — or what kind of ID they can use […]

Oklahoma Voter Who Discovered VoteRiders on TikTok Secures ID After Years Without Medical Care

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — DECEMBER 19, 2023 Without a government-issued ID in Oklahoma, 64-year-old Julie Autaubo had to endure three years without critical medical care for her damaged liver. Despite several attempts to secure her ID, a missing marriage license from 39 years ago made it impossible to safeguard her health […]

VoteRiders Reached Upwards of 5.3 Million Voters With ID Info & Free Help Offers in 2023

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS, DECEMBER 12, 2023 Democracy doesn’t have “off years,” and neither does VoteRiders. To have the greatest possible impact in the 2024 presidential race, we knew we had to do everything we could in 2023 to make sure voters got the ID they needed to cast a ballot this […]

VoteRiders Works With Milwaukee Public Schools & League of Women Voters to Inspire Lifelong Voting

VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator speaks with Jennie Ekstein, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) about MPS’ student voter engagement efforts and partnership with VoteRiders. — November 30, 2023 Tell me about yourself and your role at Milwaukee Public Schools(MPS). I’m the K-12 Administrator for Social Studies Curriculum —- we call that a […]

North Carolina Voter Turns To VoteRiders For ID Help For A Second Time

BY ERIN CARDEN, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — NOVEMBER 30, 2023 When 67 year-old Rosemaria Bowden looked down at her shopping cart and saw that her wallet had vanished, her stomach sank. It was the day before Thanksgiving. She had decided to stop by Walmart to pick up a birthday card for her grandson. One […]

VoteRiders Featured in US.VOTE’s “YES Campaign” Debut

BY VOTERIDERS PARTNER, US.VOTE — NOVEMBER 15, 2023 The first question for many voters in America remains a crucial one that can determine their ability to vote, or not. “Can I vote if I don’t have an ID?” is that question, and there’s no better person than Lauren Kunis, CEO of VoteRiders, to answer it. […]

Can Unhoused People Vote?

Voter ID rules and requirements can be confusing to navigate. VoteRiders is here to help! This post is part of our series addressing some of the most common questions and challenges related to voter ID laws. Unhoused citizens in all states have the right to register and vote. However, people who experience homelessness (or citizens who are […]

Holding Music Events to Support Democracy

By Roy Speckhardt, Development Director, VoteRiders — November 6, 2023 VoteRiders has a remarkable network of democracy activists and supporters who regularly provide fresh examples of their caring and creative ways to expand our outreach and draw in new folks to power our work. With that in mind, I’m pleased to share the story of […]

Can People Convicted of a Felony Vote in the United States?

Voter ID rules and requirements can be confusing to navigate. VoteRiders is here to help! This post is part of our series addressing some of the most common questions and challenges related to voter ID laws. Felon disenfranchisement — which is the legal practice of restricting or revoking the voting rights of individuals who have been convicted […]

Yes, There ARE Elections in 2023!

By: Lauren Kunis, VoteRiders Executive Director – October 27, 2023 Many of us are focused on next year’s elections, and with good reason. With control of the White House, Congress, and numerous state legislatures on the ballot in 2024, there’s a lot at stake. VoteRiders is rapidly scaling up our work in voter ID states […]

"I felt whole once I got my driver’s license again"

BY ERIN C., DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, VOTERIDERS — OCTOBER 18, 2023 In one fell swoop, fifty-one-year-old Fandrea Nazir lost her Social Security card and birth certificate — as well as the birth certificates of her two daughters and two grandchildren — when the folder in which they were stored was mistakenly thrown away by someone at […]

Honoring National Latinx Heritage Month

VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator, Erin Carden, speaks with VoteRiders’ National Outreach Director, Selene Gomez, about what VoteRiders is doing to celebrate National Latinx Heritage Month, the importance of calling out the systemic structures that silence Latinx communities in the United States, and how we are working together to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy. […]

Voter ID Cards: Everything You Need to Know (2023)

Voter ID rules and requirements can be confusing to navigate. VoteRiders is here to help! This post is part of our series addressing some of the most common questions and challenges related to voter ID laws. Whether Voter ID cards are offered and accepted at the polls varies by state. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you […]

Protecting the Right to Vote With Something Sweet

VoteRiders Digital Communications Coordinator Erin Carden speaks with Bake Back Better Founder & Chief Baking Officer, Dina Jacobson, about Bake Back Better’s mission to protect and strengthen our democracy, one cupcake at a time. Bake Back Better is now partnering with VoteRiders for a third time and has launched a new campaign to support VoteRiders’ […]

What do I need to vote?

Voter ID rules and requirements can be confusing to navigate. VoteRiders is here to help! This post is part of our series addressing some of the most common questions and challenges related to voter ID laws. Whether you’re a first-time voter or an experienced one, we’ll cover everything you need to know about voting in the next […]

A Powerful Impact in Ohio: Fighting Back Against Barriers to the Ballot Box

By Vashitta Johnson, Ohio Voter ID Coalition Coordinator — September 22, 2023 In April 2023, one of the strictest voter ID laws in the county went into effect in my home state of Ohio. This law disenfranchises an estimated 1,000,000+ Ohioans who lack state-issued identification and could confuse or intimidate millions more. As Ohio politician […]

VoteRiders Reaches Americans Who Are Disproportionately Impacted by Voter ID Laws

August 17, 2023 In the midterm election cycle (2021-2022) VoteRiders ran its most ambitious and far-reaching program to date. Over the course of two years, we directly reached over 7 million voters with ID information and help. But did it make an impact? I’m excited to share the results from our most rigorous program analysis […]

The Power of Partnerships - Working Together To Help Americans in Need

By Pamela Pearson, National Voter ID Assistance Director, North Carolina Voter ID Coalition Coordinator and Deputy General Counsel at VoteRiders — August 9, 2023 Alexander reached out to VoteRiders in early June 2023 after hearing about our free ID services through Community Transitions, one of our North Carolina based partner organizations. He had just been released […]

North Carolinian Can Work Again After Three Years Without Identification

Earl Inscore has been living on the streets of North Carolina for the past three years. Throughout his experience of homelessness, he actively sought employment, but because he lacked proper identification, no one could hire him. After years of attempting to secure his identity documents with little success, Earl was finally able to obtain what […]

Halfway through 2023, Voter ID Laws Are on the Rise. Here’s How VoteRiders Is Protecting Our Democracy.

By Ceridwen Cherry, VoteRiders Legal Director — June 28, 2023 As VoteRiders’ new Legal Director, I’m tasked with monitoring changes to voter ID laws in states around the country so that we can provide continuously updated and accurate information to voters and our thousands of partner organizations. Here’s the bad news: I’ve been really busy […]

North Carolina Resident Can Finally Secure Housing With New Copy of Birth Certificate

JUNE 22, 2023 Thirty-eight-year-old Shakeena Benton didn’t know what to do. After fleeing an abusive relationship and becoming homeless in Charlotte, North Carolina, she finally found safety at a domestic violence shelter run by Safe Alliance. But without a copy of her birth certificate to put on file, she was unable to apply for low-income […]

How Barriers to ID Impact Different Communities and Restrict Democracy

BY MOVEMENT ADVANCEMENT PROJECT Identity documents (IDs), like driver’s licenses and birth certificates, are common and vital parts of everyday life and civic engagement. Yet, clear system-level failures make it too difficult for many people to get and maintain accurate IDs. These challenging obstacles can turn to real harm for people of all backgrounds—and especially […]