Category: Voter Stories

“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, […]

“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 […]

"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 […]

‘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 […]

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 […]

'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 […]

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 […]

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 […]