VoteRiders Blog

“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 […]

"A lot of Americans don't vote because they don't know they can," says Florida voter

Florida’s confusing ID requirements had trapped April Stemann in a years-long struggle to obtain a state ID, leaving her without access to basic services or the ability to vote in person. After venting her frustrations online, April discovered VoteRiders, and with the help of a dedicated volunteer, she finally secured the documents she needed and […]

VoteRiders Helps Indiana Voter Reclaim Identity and Secure ID

BY SHELLY BROMBERG, VOTERIDERS VOTER ID ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEER — DECEMBER 12, 2024 When Jemmie moved to Indiana a few years ago, she knew she needed to replace her Tennessee ID with an Indiana one. Like many states, Indiana now requires a birth certificate as part of the documentation necessary to get a state ID. Jemmie […]

“If a young person wants to spread information, they can—and that’s really important for voters,” Says UCF Volunteer

Ernest Cook, a University of Central Florida student, joined VoteRiders’ Florida Letter-Writing Party to make an impact ahead of the 2024 general election. At the event, he learned key details about Florida’s complex voter ID laws and wrote personalized letters to voters. He believes organizations like VoteRiders play a vital role in empowering students to […]

“I’m never going to forget this experience,” says Texas voter after receiving first ID

Juni, an 18-year-old facing housing insecurity, struggled to get a job or stable housing because he didn’t have a government-issued ID. After multiple failed attempts, he finally received help from VoteRiders and secured his ID just in time for a crucial job interview. With his ID, Juni can now pursue his dream of becoming a […]

“Without VoteRiders, I probably would have given up,” Says North Carolina Voter

Prentiss Thomas faced a tough challenge after losing his wallet and state ID while starting a treatment program in a new city. Without a state ID, his enrollment in the program was at risk, and he couldn’t get a job. Getting a new ID required documents and resources he didn’t have. Thankfully, VoteRiders’ North Carolina […]

Q&A With 7 Directions of Service’s Aminah Ghaffar: “We can help people feel nurtured, loved, and rejuvenated.”

In honor of American Indian Heritage Month, Aminah Ghaffar, Policy Director of 7 Directions of Service, spoke with VoteRiders’ Digital Communications Coordinator about the organization’s mission to protect the rights of nature, advocate for environmental justice, and empower Native communities. As part of this work, Ghaffar speaks on their recent partnership with VoteRiders, which focuses […]

“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 […]

Everything You Need to Know About North Carolina's Reinstated Voter ID Law & How VoteRiders is Supporting North Carolinians

VoteRiders Digital Communications Coordinator Erin Carden speaks with VoteRiders National Voter ID Assistance Director & North Carolina Voter ID Coalition Coordinator Pamela Pearson about the North Carolina Supreme Court’s recent ruling to reinstate the state’s 2018 voter ID law, what this means for voters, and what VoteRiders is doing to make sure North Carolinians are informed […]

‘I Have Everything I Need Now’ Says Georgia Voter

If there is one thing to learn from Denise Ellis, it’s that laughter yoga can help you cope with stressful situations – like being at the DMV. Denise is a sixty-nine-year-old laughter yoga instructor who needed a new driver’s license when she moved to Columbus, Georgia, in 2021. Unfortunately, her experience at the DMV reflects […]

Diane Nash, American Civil Rights Hero Turns 85

VoteRiders is honoring the legacy of civil rights icon Diane Nash, who was born 85 years ago today in Chicago, Illinois. VoteRiders was named in honor of Diane Nash and the other 436 Freedom Riders who risked their lives in the name of civil rights, voting rights, and dignity for Black Americans. VoteRiders is honored […]

‘My New ID is Like My Freedom Papers’ Says Ohio Returning Citizen

After thirty-two and a half years in prison, Willie Florence needed an Ohio state ID so he could apply for a job, secure housing, and begin to rebuild his life again at the age of fifty-one. And with Ohio recently enacting one of the nation’s strictest voter ID laws, he also needed an ID to […]

Turning Out Young Voters in the Rio Grande Valley

By Cesar Rios, Texas Turnout Community Field Organizer We must instill the importance of civic engagement in our youth community in the Rio Grande Valley. But we also know that confusing and changing laws around voting in Texas have created powerful barriers to the ballot box in recent years and that youth are particularly hard-hit. […]

UNITED STATES - NOVEMBER 3: Signs greet voters at the Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company vote location in Ruckersville, Va., on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

The State of Voter ID in America in 2023

April 4, 2023 Voter ID laws spread and strengthened during the 2022 midterm election cycle. They are continuing to expand as politicians look to 2024. In state after state, legislators are proposing and passing – and governors are implementing – new or tougher ID rules for voters. More than 25 million voting-age Americans do not […]

‘It’s a Very Rewarding Way to Volunteer,’ Says Florida VoteRiders Volunteer

Like many Americans, Helen Peeples secured her first government-issued identification, a driver’s license, when she first learned how to drive at just 16 years old. But this is not the reality for millions of other Americans. As of 2020, nearly 29 million voting-age U.S. citizens lacked a non-expired driver’s license. And recent reports reveal that […]

VoteRiders Pushes Back Against Barriers to the Ballot Affecting Over 56k Returning Citizens in North Carolina

By Sabrina Mommers, VoteRiders North Carolina Organizer VoteRiders encourages voter participation and helps Americans overcome barriers to the ballot by educating them about voter ID laws and assisting those in need of an ID to vote in communities across the nation. As VoteRiders’ North Carolina Organizer, my main responsibility is helping clients secure identification and […]

Volunteer Highlight - Yaretzi Perez, Florida

April is National Volunteer Month and VoteRiders is honoring all of our dedicated volunteers who work so hard to help us ensure that every eligible voter has the ID they need to make their voices heard! When Yaretzi Perez asked community members living in a low-income area of Central Florida why they didn’t have an […]

North Carolina Voter on Road to Recovery After Receiving ID Help from VoteRiders

Bobby Smith was tired of being tired. Twenty-eight years of addiction had taken a toll on his forty-seven-year-old mind and body, and in May 2022 he was ready to turn his life around. After learning about SABER, a North Carolina-based residential recovery program operated by Roof Above, Bobby bought a one-way bus ticket to Charlotte, […]

Everything You Need to Know About the “Biggest Election of 2023” and What VoteRiders Is Doing to Prepare Wisconsin Voters

VoteRiders Digital Communications Coordinator Erin Carden speaks with VoteRiders Wisconsin Coordinator Nick Ramos about the high stakes of Wisconsin’s Spring Election and what VoteRiders is doing on the ground to make sure voters are prepared to cast their ballots and make their voices heard. March 7, 2023 Wisconsin has an election coming up this spring. […]

VoteRiders Celebrates Black History Month

By Sylvester Johnson III – VoteRiders National Volunteer Manager & Georgia Voter ID Coalition Coordinator Each year, Black History Month offers us countless opportunities to celebrate, mourn, reflect, honor, and re-evaluate. February is a time to recognize all that the trail-blazers of the past achieved and the great lengths we still have to go to […]

Voter ID Help On Demand

The midterm elections in 2022 brought VoteRiders an avalanche of calls, chats, emails, and texts from voters who were confused about voter ID laws or needed help getting an ID.

2022 VoteRiders Impact Report

As the country’s leading organization focused on voter ID, VoteRiders saw the need for our nonpartisan voter ID information and help exponentially increase in 2022. But VoteRiders rose to meet the challenges of this moment. As detailed in our 2022 Impact Report, we supported 7 million voters across the country with the voter ID information […]

Staff Spotlight - Dani Duarte

VoteRiders’ Arizona Voter ID Coalition Coordinator, Dani Duarte, is a Colorado native who has called Phoenix, Arizona, home for the past nine years. Desperate to get a break from the snowy winters of her home state, Dani has long loved Phoenix for its delicious food, its vibrant culture, and the warm and welcoming people who […]

AZ Grad Student Can Vote Confidently with New ID

After more than two years as an Arizona State University student, 24-year-old Rebecca Tindle was tired of getting questioned whenever she tried to vote with her out-of-state ID. Arizona law permits a voter to use an out-of-state ID as long as they also have another ID with an address that reasonably matches their voter registration. […]

VoteRiders Offers Help to Ohioans in Response to Strict New Voter ID Law

VoteRiders is offering expanded assistance to citizens in Ohio who need an ID to vote, now that one of the most onerous voter ID laws in the nation has gone into effect. Ohio became the eighth state to adopt a strict voter photo ID law after the Ohio Legislature passed HB 458 during the end-of-year, […]

VoteRiders on the Air … Thanks to These Volunteers!

Throughout 2022, a small army of dedicated volunteers helped VoteRiders reach voters from Alaska to Florida through local radio stations with public service announcements about their state’s voter ID laws. For the year, these volunteers got 389 agreements to run PSAs on 228 unique stations across the country. This is their story. The volunteers, calling […]

'VoteRiders Added Years to My Life' Says Florida Voter

Carolina fled an abusive relationship that left her with broken ribs, a punctured left lung and destroyed belongings — including her state identification. After a six-day stay at a hospital in Florida, Carolina left with a doctor’s prescription for pain medication, but no pharmacy could dispense the pills unless she presented her ID. She was also […]

VoteRiders Doubled Down on Georgia for Runoff

Georgia has some of the strictest voter ID laws in the country, and they became even stricter following the passage of a new voting law in 2021. For this reason, the Peach State has been a priority for VoteRiders the entire year and for many years before that. And ahead of this week’s U.S. Senate […]

Three Lessons from the Midterms about Voter ID Laws

As we turn our attention to the runoff election in Georgia as well as the work ahead for the 2024 presidential elections, I thought I’d share with you three lessons from the midterms at this critical moment for both our voter ID work and its impact on our democracy. 1. Voter ID laws are causing […]

Trans Woman Changes Legal Name with Help From VoteRiders

Transgender voters face significant barriers getting to the ballot box to cast a vote that counts. Chanel Riser’s story illustrates the variety of problems the transgender community continues to experience in legally changing their names and getting an ID to vote that reflects their chosen name and gender. Chanel — a 38-year-old hair stylist living […]

American voters waiting in line at a polling place

They rejected my ID when I tried to vote! What should I do now?

Eleven states will be enforcing new or stricter voter ID laws in 2022, potentially catching unsuspecting voters by surprise. In all, 36 states have some type of voter ID law on the books, some stricter than others. If you get rejected at the polls because you don’t have an acceptable ID, don’t despair! There are […]

Staff Spotlight: Tracy Pease

Tracy Pease — VoteRiders’ Detroit Organizer — first learned the importance of organizing when she started going to union meetings with her father at the early age of six. After spending years of working as a volunteer organizer while juggling employment as a door-to-door salesperson and then a restaurant server, Tracy officially began her professional organizing […]

VoteRiders Advocates for Transgender Voters

Before Jey’nce knew about VoteRiders, changing her legal name felt like wishful thinking. But when she found out that her friend and ally — Tracy Pease — would be starting a new position at VoteRiders as Detroit Organizer, her hope reawakened. Everyone who knows Jey’nce Poindexter knows that she is a leader. The 38-year-old transgendered […]

VoteRiders Celebrates National Voter Registration Day

Even though voter registration isn’t our core mission at VoteRiders, we LOVE to celebrate National Voter Registration Day. This year, we were proud to join the nationwide effort as a Premier Partner. Why? Glad you asked! It’s because National Voter Registration Day (held this year on September 20) gives us a special platform to remind […]

VoteRiders helps returning citizen get ID & rebuild life

Jay is a 40-year-old FedEx driver from North Carolina who loves playing video games, spending time with his stepchildren, and grilling. In 10 months, Jay will have a new house, and in a little over a year he will be picking up and delivering loads as a self-employed truck driver. According to Jay (whose name […]

VoteRiders Staff Spotlight: Jessica Hulett

VoteRiders’ Houston Organizer, Jessica Hulett, is a born and bred Houstonian who loves to paint landscapes and read romance novels. While Jessica had originally planned to work as a civil engineer after undergrad, her spontaneous decision to help a friend write bylaws for a student government conference forever altered the course of her academic and […]

Dismantling Voting Barriers for Voters with Disabilities

While voter ID laws silence millions of Americans, they hit some communities harder than others. Voters with disabilities are especially affected by voter ID laws because of the challenges they face in getting identification. Many don’t drive so they don’t have driver’s licenses, and they also don’t have their own transportation, making it difficult to […]

Grandmother & Grandson No Longer "Trapped" Thanks to New ID

2022 has been an extremely difficult year for Rosari Williams, a 54-year-old Floridian who became houseless after losing her mother in January. While Ms. Wiliams received her mother’s inheritance, it remained locked away for several months. The reason: she didn’t have an ID. Then, she met Eli Garcia from VoteRiders. In June, Ms. Williams told […]

High School Graduate Secures First Voter ID

Meet Jovonte! Jovonte is an 18-year-old living in Florida who works at Subway and loves to cut hair. After graduating high school in June, Jovonte needed an ID to get a job. Luckily, he was connected to VoteRiders through Sage Shared Living, a group home where he has resided since aging out of foster care. […]

VoteRiders Staff Spotlight: Nick Ramos

When Nick Ramos came across VoteRiders’ Wisconsin Voter ID Coalition Coordinator position at VoteRiders back in 2021, it felt like the stars were aligning. After finishing four years on the Mayor of Milwaukee’s staff, Nick knew he wanted to re-engage with voter protection work, a field he was involved in five years prior as a […]

Florida Voter Finally Gets ID Four Years Later

Mac was holding up a sign outside a McDonald’s when VoteRiders’ Florida Voter ID Coalition Coordinator Jazlyn Gallego approached him. Reading his sign and learning that Mac was houseless, Jazlyn wondered if he was in need of voter ID. She handed him a card that included information on how VoteRiders could help him get one. […]

VoteRiders Fights Misinformation and Secures Family's IDs for Voting - and Living

A multiple sclerosis diagnosis, a job loss, an eviction, and a flood that destroyed most of their important documents – these are the calamities that forced Roger and Sandra, their son Evan, (names changed for privacy), and the couple’s younger children out of their southeast coastal Virginia home in 2016. To add to their woes, […]

New Videos: Voter ID Information in Key States

Because of our country’s patchwork of election laws, the answer to almost ANY voting question – especially questions on voter ID – is this: “Well, it depends where you live.” That’s why VoteRiders has been providing state-specific voter ID information for many years, including Voter ID Information Cards in both English and Spanish. That state-specific […]

ID Gives Virginian Access to Housing

As a 70-year-old living on the streets of Virginia, William’s only chance of escaping the relentless rain and bitter cold was to apply for housing assistance. To do that, he first needed an ID. Luckily, William got his ID with help from VoteRiders, but the many obstacles our dedicated and resourceful volunteer overcame to secure […]

VoteRiders Celebrates Pride Month

VoteRiders is proud to celebrate the end of a phenomenal Pride Month dedicated to uplifting and empowering LGBTQ+ voters across the country. At VoteRiders, we recognize the unique barriers that trans and nonbinary folks face when it comes to voting, which is why we updated and expanded our #TransPeopleVote resources for all 50 states (and […]

#TransPeopleVote

For many transgender and nonbinary citizens, getting the ID they need to register and vote isn’t a straightforward or simple process. Every state has different requirements for a person to change their legal name and for updating their name and/or gender markers on their birth certificate, state ID card, or driver’s license. In more than […]

Voter ID Story: Stephen and Mary Beth in Arizona

When Stephen and Mary Beth Wagner moved from Alabama to Chandler, Arizona, in the fall of 2020, they were not able to vote in the presidential election. “We actually haven’t been able to vote in several years due to moving from state to state for our work,” Stephen said recently. But now they’re ready for […]

ActiVote Partners with VoteRiders on Updated Voting App

Voters using the latest version of the ActiVote app now have access to state-by-state voter ID information and free help offers thanks to a new partnership with VoteRiders. “We’re excited to partner with ActiVote in educating citizens about voter ID laws through their innovative app,” said Lauren Kunis, executive director of VoteRiders. “With primary elections […]

Voter ID Story: Joan in Florida

Turned away at her polling place because of an expired ID in 2020, Joan Scott turned to VoteRiders recently for help getting an ID so she can vote in upcoming elections. “Freedom of speech is important to me,” Joan said, recalling how she felt when Florida poll workers sent her home because her ID had […]

Bringing ID Help to Florida Voters with Community Events

In Florida, VoteRiders is teaming up with the Orange County government and community-based organizations to meet as many voters as possible where they already are. Through these collaborations, VoteRiders is able to get voters the ID help they need ahead of the state’s primary elections this summer and November’s general election. VoteRiders’ Voter ID Clinics […]

April's National Voter ID Month of Action Results in Record-Breaking Success

Throughout April, VoteRiders celebrated its 10th anniversary with a National Voter ID Month of Action. Many states are passing more restrictive rules about what ID is needed to vote in person or by mail, making April a critical month for voters preparing to vote in primary elections this spring as well as the general election […]

Mayors and Governors Across the Country Join the Call for Voter ID Action

Across the country, seven mayors and one governor in states with voter ID laws uplifted the importance of ensuring voters have the ID and information they need to vote with confidence in this important election year. VoteRiders is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in April with a National Voter ID Month of Action, calling on voters, […]

Reducing Friction Around Voter ID with Motivote

By Jess Riegel, Co-Founder & CEO, Motivote. Motivote’s mission is to empower businesses, colleges and nonprofits to run high-impact voter engagement programs that help people navigate the voting process and build lifelong civic habits.

Businesses step up for voters ahead of midterm elections

If you haven’t heard or experienced it yet, 2022 is a consequential civic year. And businesses have an important role to play this midterm season. According to the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, business is once again reported to be the most trusted institution in our society. In fact, 74% of respondents in the U.S. shared […]

VoteRiders Hosts 10th Anniversary Letter-Writing Party With Guest Appearances from Shaniqua McClendon and Rob Huebel to Promote Voter ID Education and Assistance

Leading voter ID education and assistance organization VoteRiders hosted a special volunteer letter-writing party in honor of the organization’s 10th anniversary to help reach vulnerable voters in states with voter ID restrictions.

Happy Anniversary! 10 Years of VoteRiders

In the 10 years since VoteRiders was founded, the national debate about voter ID laws has only become louder and more polarized. Today, more Americans than ever before live in a state with a voter ID law. Amid this ever-growing need for our work, VoteRiders has proudly maintained its nonpartisan, laser focus on voter ID […]

VoteRiders Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary with National Voter ID Month Of Action

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2022) – Today, the nation’s leading voter ID education and assistance nonpartisan nonprofit has launched a National Voter ID Month of Action during April, in recognition of its 10 year anniversary. With states across America poised to pass almost two dozen new and stricter voter ID measures during an incredibly consequential […]

“VoteRiders may have saved my life”

Dolly Canning found herself in an almost impossible situation. She needed a current state ID card to get a critical medical test to continue getting her prescription medication. But Dolly’s Florida ID card expired in 2017. And despite four trips to the local DMV office, she couldn’t get one because she didn’t have a vital […]

The State of Voter ID in America in 2022

America’s voter ID law landscape is changing almost daily as we race toward the 2022 midterm elections. In state after state, legislators are proposing new or tougher ID rules for voters. It’s part of a larger trend. According to the Brennan Center, between January 1 and December 7, 2021, at least 19 states passed 34 […]

Voter ID Story: Laura in Georgia

Laura was staying at a women’s shelter in Columbus, Georgia when VoteRiders met her at our inaugural Voter ID Clinic sponsored by Aflac and hosted by Open Door. She needed to obtain a Georgia ID, not only so she could exercise her right to vote, but also to secure employment and housing. We were able […]

Law Firms Serve a Heightened Duty in Supporting VoteRiders

Pro bono legal support from many of the nation’s – indeed, the world’s – top law firms helps VoteRiders carry out its mission to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from casting a ballot that counts due to voter ID laws, either directly from lack of acceptable ID or indirectly because of voter confusion.

VoteRiders Celebrates Black History Month

As we celebrate Black History Month this year, we are also preparing for an all-important primary and midterm election season.

Announcing the Release of the VoteRiders 2022 Partner Toolkit

VoteRiders kicked off 2022 by introducing a new toolkit for our invaluable partners – the 840 current organizations and new partners who will help us spread the word about voter ID laws across the country in the months and years ahead.

2022 Volunteer Briefing Update

We’re still absolutely blown away by the incredible turnout for our 2022 VoteRiders Volunteer Briefing! It was so energizing and motivating to see returning and new volunteers alike show up in a BIG way to kick off our year-long volunteer programming.

VoteRiders Florida Volunteers Ride Again!

After a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19, VoteRiders’ volunteers in Tampa Bay are revved up to resume helping people who need voter ID assistance in person again ahead of the midterm elections later this year!

Georgia Letter-Writing Campaign Success!

We called — and our volunteers answered … and then some! We’re thrilled to share final results from our 2021 Georgia Letter-Writing Campaign, which was a success beyond our wildest expectations – all thanks to our wonderful volunteers and partner organizations.

Civic Engagement for Community Conversations: VoteRiders’ Florida Voter ID Coalition

Florida is holding local elections this fall, and VoteRiders is there to help make sure citizens have the ID they need to vote — and understand why it’s important to vote in every election.

VoteRiders Receives $100,000 Grant to Expand Voter ID Work in Arizona

October 19, 2021 — Nation’s Leading Voter ID Education and Assistance Nonprofit Receives Grant from BridgeTogether.

VoteRiders Announces Lauren Kunis As New Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer

JULY 20 – Nation’s Leading Voter ID Education and Assistance Nonprofit Welcomes Lauren Kunis as New Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer and Expands Services and Resources to Empower All Eligible Voters to Cast Their Ballot

Vote with Pride

VoteRiders and HeadCount launch #TransPeopleVote, helping transgender and non-binary voters get the IDs they need to vote. In observance of Pride Month 2021, VoteRiders and HeadCount’s Vote With Pride initiative launched the Trans People Vote campaign to help transgender and non-binary voters around the country get the IDs they need to vote. HeadCount is a […]

Engaging Campus Communities

Guest Post by Amy Ludwig, Executive Director of CEEP – “Access to voting is just as important as knowing who and what to vote for,” stated Campus Election Engagement Project’s Florida State University 2020 Fall Fellow Travis Waters. Travis Waters was instrumental this past fall in helping FSU place a signature strip on the back […]

Digging Deep in North Carolina

Today, proper identification is critical for Americans to be able to vote. However, having that precious ID can also be the passport to changing an individual’s life for the better, in important and unexpected ways. Randy is one such person. Randy lived on the street and faced the common barriers that people experiencing homelessness have […]

#Ham4Progress IG Live with Darnell Abraham

We’re always inspired by our Hamilton Musical ambassadors and so proud to be part of the Ham4Progress initiative! VoteRiders’ National Volunteer Manager Sylvester Johnson III went live on Instagram to celebrate Black History Month with the incomparable Darnell Abraham! Check out a recording of their full conversation below– getting into how voter ID laws impact […]

Volunteer Julie Ann Winkelstein Brings VoteRiders to Libraries

The nation’s libraries often serve their communities by providing basic voter information to help people get registered. Now, volunteer and activist librarian Julie Ann Winkelstein is helping librarians offer citizens with the resources they need to make sure their votes count. Inspired by viewing “Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook,” Winkelstein helped arrange and promote a […]

Souls to the Polls Milwaukee — A Success Story

The 2020 election saw a record number of voters turning out to cast their ballots despite the obstacles of a pandemic and new voter ID laws. One of the biggest success stories in voter education came out of Wisconsin, where Anita Johnson of VoteRiders and the Souls to the Polls organization worked with local churches […]

Empty theater with red chairs. Rear view.

Q&A with Galaxy Theatres CEO Frank Rimkus

Galaxy Theatres is a fully-integrated movie theatre company. Privately owned, it is ranked by size in the top 8% of its industry and currently has theatres in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Washington. As Galaxy’s theatres re-opened this election season, VoteRiders’ Public Service Announcements (PSAs) ran on screen before each show. Frank J. Rimkus is […]

What happens if I do not present ID at my polling place?

October 28, 2020 — If you live in a state with a voter ID law, and you do not bring an acceptable ID with you when you vote in person, what do you need to do to make sure your ballot is counted? — By Kathleen Unger, Founder and President of VoteRiders

Milwaukee Prepares for the General Elections

October 5, 2020 – MILWAUKEE – VoteRiders and our partner organization, Souls to the Polls – Milwaukee, are leading the charge to help Wisconsin voters prepare to vote, including securing the ID they need to cast their ballots, by November 3. Guest post by Joy Scott & Jason Scott-Sheets

Closeup of a Person Filling a Track Record

Is Your Voter Registration Complete?

How to find out if your voter registration is incomplete – including missing ID information. Guest post by Michael J. Litchman, Counsel, Goodwin Procter LLP

Voter ID News: “Can I Vote Using An Expired ID?”

This week’s question: My driver’s license is expired – can I still use it to vote in the November election? Answer: As usual, that depends. Some states allow voters who need ID to cast their ballot (either at the polls or absentee) to use an ID that has expired. But each state is different, so […]

What Documentation Does a Wisconsin Student Need to Vote?

On June 29, 2020, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit decided various election issues in the state of Wisconsin. One of the requirements under consideration involved student IDs. The state of Wisconsin enacted a strict photo ID law in 2011 which, after much litigation, went into effect in 2015. In […]

PRESS RELEASE: John Lewis “Good Trouble” Voting Rights Campaign

Alongside the forthcoming documentary about John Lewis by Participant and Magnolia Pictures, VoteRiders will educate and assist citizens with voter ID and encourage civic participation ATLANTA (June 19, 2020) – Our mission — and our very name — was inspired by true American heroes like Representative John Lewis and the Freedom Riders, who put everything on the […]

Voter ID Story: Carlos in Florida

Carlos reached out to VoteRiders when he relocated to Florida after earthquakes destroyed his home in Puerto Rico.

Voter ID News – Week Of June 15, 2020

With the second Super Tuesday behind us, we have a preview of what an election might look like in November: long lines, malfunctioning voting machines, not enough ballots, and the outcome of many races not determined on election night due to absentee ballots. Needless to say, there is no shortage of news regarding voting and […]

Voter ID News – Week Of June 8, 2020

We had our first “Super Tuesday” of the pandemic last week, with eight states and DC voting on June 2. All of those states except Indiana allowed any registered voters to vote by mail, and the turnout numbers show the strong preference voters have in these times to vote safely from home. This week’s question: […]

Field Report: Election Day 2020 In Milwaukee

–Tuesday, April 7, 2020– Election Day in Milwaukee was unusually warm. Anita Johnson, VoteRiders’ Wisconsin Coordinator, says that the nice weather was the “only thing on our side.” For weeks leading up to the primary election on April 7, the COVID-19 crisis had been causing complete chaos in Wisconsin’s voting process. Changes in procedures, last-minute […]

150 Years Of Fighting For The Right To Vote

By Sylvester Johnson III, VoteRiders’ National Volunteer Coordinator Black History Month this year includes a significant milestone in the history of African-American voting rights. February 3rd was the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment’s ratification, declaring that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United […]

Voter ID Story: Mildred In Virginia

When Mildred reached out to VoteRiders for help, she couldn’t get a job and was worried about becoming homeless because she didn’t have an ID.

Voter ID Story: Montrell In Florida

I met Montrell as I was canvassing the streets of Downtown Orlando on a Sunday afternoon with our partner organizations, Bring It Home Florida and Global Shapers. I handed him a flyer and he asked for more information on VoteRiders. After hearing about our voter ID services, Montrell shared that he was eager to vote […]

Volunteer Story: Kelly Leffler

Meet Kelly Leffler. Kelly lives in Chicago and started volunteering with VoteRiders in 2019. Kelly knew she needed to act after reading about thousands of people in her home state of Wisconsin who were unable to vote in 2016. She still proudly remembers casting her first ballot in Wisconsin as a college freshman in 1988 […]

Impact Of Voter ID Laws On People With Disabilities

-Guest post by Michelle Bishop, MSW, Voting Rights Specialist with the National Disability Rights Network As the Voting Rights Specialist for the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), I coordinate voting rights initiatives in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories, as well as provide training and technical assistance to NDRN’s nationwide […]

Recap: Election Day 2019

Art Credit: Gregg Deal for Amplifier As millions of Americans turned out to vote last week, our team was on the ground, on the phone, and online – helping guarantee that eligible voters could cast a ballot that counts. Three quick highlights from Election Day 2019: We distributed tens of thousands of Voter ID Information Cards and ensured that voters […]

Are You Ready To Vote?

This is your friendly reminder that Tuesday is Election Day! In several states, voters are choosing their next governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state legislators. Others are voting for local officials or amendments to their state constitutions. These elections have BIG implications for issues like election oversight (think: voter ID requirements, voter registration efforts, […]

Voter ID Story: Patricia In Florida

By Jazlyn Gallego, VoteRiders’ Florida Voter ID Coalition Coordinator By the time I met Patricia White at a voter education forum in New Smyrna Beach, she had been trying to obtain a state ID for 10 months. Since moving to Florida from Pennsylvania, she had been repeatedly turned away from the DMV. Like many married woman, Patricia’s […]

What to do for your summer vacation: Help people VOTE

Guest post by Joy Scott and Jason Scott-Sheets of Scott Public Relations – When planning his vacation this year, Ed Shapiro knew he would include a trip to Wisconsin from his home in Washington State. Why Wisconsin? That’s where Ed, a retired physician, found his way to support the democratic process he so respects by helping people […]

Steven’s Voter ID Story

January 2019 – CENTRAL FLORIDA – Steven is a veteran of the United States Army from Seminole County, Florida. He met our Florida Coordinator, Jazlyn Gallego, at a Goodwill Job Fair. Steven approached Jazlyn to ask if he was now able to vote without his felony history being a barrier because of the passage of Amendment 4. […]

Students And Voter ID In Florida: Daniel’s Voter ID Story

November 2018 – ORLANDO, FL – See video below! Daniel Molina is a senior at the University of Central Florida. He is an active and enthusiastic voter who recently interned for a local campaign. He met our Florida Coordinator Jazlyn Gallego at a university voting event. Daniel’s FL state ID was expired, and his UCF […]

More Than A Voter: Michael’s Voter ID Story

October 2018 – DELAND, FLORIDA – Michael Frank met VoteRiders at a Goodwill Job Connection Center Job Fair. He came ready with a social security card and birth certificate and asked if Jazlyn Gallego, our Florida Coordinator, could help him renew his expired ID to vote. Michael had previously registered to vote in New York […]

Georgia: Don’t Let Anyone Stop You From Voting!

53,000 Georgia voters have been placed on a “pending” list due to what may be trivial discrepancies with their voter registration paperwork. These voters’ eligibility has been called into question because their registration information didn’t exactly match what the state’s Department of Driver Services or the Social Security Administration offices have on file. 80% of the affected […]

The Florida Challenge

Guest blog by John Saffron BACKGROUND: REGISTERED VOTERS NEED VOTER ID Americans who value free and fair elections as the cornerstone of American democracy must keep one crucial fact front and center. Voter registration and voter ID are two separate matters. In many states, registered voters – those who have taken all the right steps […]

Get Your Soul To The Poll, Milwaukee

JULY 23, 2018 – Milwaukee is buzzing this summer! Over 100 church congregations are getting involved in “Souls To The Polls Milwaukee” – a city-wide effort to register voters, verify that they have voter ID, and turn out the vote. Anita Johnson, VoteRiders’ Wisconsin Voter ID Coalition Coordinator, is a key member of the Souls To The […]

Adina’s Voter ID Story: Frustration At The Wisconsin DMV

– by Anita Johnson, VoteRiders’ Wisconsin Voter ID Coalition Coordinator Last month I had the opportunity to help a young voter obtain ID to vote in Milwaukee. The case illustrates some of the common obstacles and frustrations that voters, especially African-American, face when trying to secure their constitutional right to vote. Anita Abraham posted on […]

Valentine’s Gift From My Great-Grandfather

https://youtu.be/CZqRxUbsC8w Yvonne Moore shares the story of how her great-grandfather inspired her passion for democracy and voting rights. Yvonne Moore is the Principal Advisor at Moore Philanthropy. We are very grateful for the chance to share her story! Have you ever heard of a poll tax? This is a copy of my paternal great-grandfather’s poll tax […]

Genya's Voter ID Story

https://vimeo.com/235650501 Genya (a.k.a @ElectionBabe on Twitter) is an election official in Florida, so how could SHE ever have a problem with voter ID? During a cross-country move in 2013, she lost her driver’s license. Even with an original California birth certificate, Social Security Card, expired passport, and bank statement with her new address, the Georgia DMV would […]

Dennis’ Voter ID Story

Marine veteran Dennis Hatten was initially denied an ID to vote by the Wisconsin DMV office in Milwaukee because his birth certificate had a mistake. It took six months of persistence by VoteRiders’ Wisconsin Statewide Coordinator, Anita Johnson, before Dennis was finally able to vote. Anita met Dennis in September 2015 at the Vet’s Place, […]

Debra's Voter ID Story

Debra is a lifelong resident of Madison, WI and a lung cancer survivor. She lives in an apartment complex for low-income people with disabilities. She no longer drives, and had let her WI driver’s license expire. Debra didn’t realize that she would not be able to use her expired license to vote until she talked […]

Nefertiti's Voter ID Story

Nefertiti Helem and her partner, Ernest Barksdale, moved to Milwaukee from Chicago in 2013. Until VoteRiders and Citizen Action organizers visited their apartment complex for low-income seniors and people with disabilities, they didn’t realize that their Social Security cards or their Illinois IDs would not be valid for voting. Neither Ernest nor Nefertiti drive. Battling […]

Steve's Voter ID Story

Steve Pacewicz, a veteran, hasn’t had stable housing in a while. At times, his truck was his home. He needs his vehicle to do the odd jobs that he relies on for income. When he lost his Wisconsin driver’s license, he ordered a duplicate but the request was lost in the DMV system. Steve contacted […]

Alfonzo’s Voter ID Story

Shortly after his 18th birthday, Alfonzo went to a voter registration event at his Madison, Wisconsin high school and met VoteRiders’ National Campaign Coordinator. He was looking forward to voting for the first time, but did not have a valid photo ID. Traveling to the DMV to obtain his voter ID would likely be unproductive: […]

Matt And Jessica’s Voter ID Story

https://vimeo.com/243342522 One Wisconsin family’s dilemma over voter ID from VoteRiders on Vimeo. Matt and Jessica Hegdahl moved to Wisconsin from Montana a few months before the Spring 2016 primary election. They registered to vote, but when they talked to VoteRiders at a local church, they found out that they could not use their valid MT driver’s licenses as ID […]