Enjoy this quarter's VoteRiders newsletter!

We aim to provide you with the latest news on voter ID and keep you updated on VoteRiders' major initiatives, challenges, and victories.

–Team VoteRiders

VoteRiders is Making a Difference

Ohio's Pivotal Decisions >> [link removed]

Ohio held a high-stakes special election on August 8 and will hold another critical election in November to decide the fate of abortion access in the state. VoteRiders is helping millions of at-risk voters address rising barriers to the ballot box caused by the state’s new ID law. Learn more. >> [link removed]

An Outsized Impact in 2022 >> [link removed]

To measure the impact of our work in the 2022 election cycle, we conducted an analysis of a cross-section of voters we reached during the year to learn more about their voter registration status, turnout rates, and more. Our research found that our programs effectively targeted and mobilized the individuals who are most often left out of voter mobilization efforts and who are disproportionately harmed by voter ID laws. Learn more. >> [link removed]

VoteRiders on the Ground

VoteRiders is working day in and day out across the country to provide free, one-on-one assistance to eligible voters who need an ID and/or underlying documents to vote, find a job, secure housing, access healthcare, and more. This quarter, we joined forces with our ever-growing partner base to educate communities about voter ID requirements and offer hands-on ID assistance in key states.
*WISCONSIN - During Madison's 10th annual Disability Pride Event, our Wisconsin Campus & Community Liaison joined community organizations to celebrate and honor the arts, creativity, and talents of disabled people in Madison and beyond! We handed out VoteRiders swag, spoke to community members about Wisconsin's strict photo ID law, and reminded voters that VoteRiders is here to help them secure an ID or underlying documents for free. >> [link removed]
*FLORIDA - At Immigrant Appreciation Day, our Florida Voter ID Coalition Coordinator educated new citizens about Florida's identification requirements for voting and made sure they know VoteRiders provides free and direct assistance to all eligible voters who need identification. >> [link removed]
*ARIZONA - Our Arizona Voter ID Coalition Coordinator traveled to the Navajo Reservation to deliver critical info about tribal voter identification and Arizona's voter ID law to over 100 Native voters and organizational leaders at the Arizona Rural Indigenous Vote Summit. >> [link removed]

VoteRiders in the News

NC Newsline: North Carolina lurches toward elections with voter photo ID >> [link removed]

Votebeat: A GOP lawyer said it’s too easy for young people to vote. It isn’t. >> [link removed]

Dayton Daily News: First election under Ohio’s new voter ID law is Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know >> [link removed]

Voter ID Laws Across America

OHIO: More ballots tossed in area counties in wake of new voter ID law >> [link removed] / Dayton Daily News
The impact of Ohio’s new strict photo ID law became apparent in the wake of the state’s high-stakes special election on August 8. Many Ohio counties reported a significant increase in the number of provisional ballots rejected compared to the November 2022 election, before the new ID law was adopted. The fact that Ohio does not accept any type of expired ID was a particularly common cause of voters having their ballots rejected. There is a crucial need to assist voters in understanding the new voter ID law and how they can access acceptable identification.

NORTH CAROLINA: After long legal battle, voter ID arrives in NC. But could it be gone again by 2024? >> [link removed] / Wral News
Earlier this year, the North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the state’s voter ID law, reversing the court’s own decision from just a few months prior that had found voter ID to be racially discriminatory and unconstitutional. As a result, voters heading to the polls in North Carolina’s municipal elections this fall will be asked to show photo ID. While the state lawsuit has been resolved, a challenge to the photo ID law is still proceeding in federal court and is likely to go to trial in 2024. In addition to helping voters comply with the new law, there is a pressing need to combat the immense amounts of voter confusion that have resulted from the years-long legal battle over the state’s photo ID law.

NATIONAL: Bans on student IDs for voting proposed in five states >>[link removed] / Inside Higher Ed
In the wake of record-breaking youth voter registration across the nation during the 2022 election cycle, over the past several months, at least five states have either proposed or passed laws that would prohibit students from using their college-issued IDs to vote. For example, HB 124 in Idaho, which will go into effect in January 2024, removes student ID as an acceptable form of voter ID in the state, even though it has been accepted in Idaho for the past 13 years. A coalition of youth voting groups is now challenging the Idaho law in court. In North Carolina, where the state’s photo ID law is now in effect, colleges now have to apply to the State Board of Elections to see if their student or employee IDs will qualify as voter ID. And under Ohio’s new strict photo ID law, no form of student or out-of-state ID is accepted, making it particularly hard for out-of-state students to exercise their right to vote where they attend school.

Volunteer

Looking for a way to get even more involved with VoteRiders? We're hosting two upcoming volunteer opportunities to learn more about becoming a Voter ID Assistance Volunteer.

Voter ID Assistance Volunteers provide virtual and/or in-person ID help to people who have requested assistance. This is a great opportunity to work one-on-one with voters and make a BIG difference in people's lives. 

Sign up to learn more and get trained:

Tuesday, October 17, 7PM ET >> [link removed]
Wednesday, November 15, 7PM ET >> [link removed]

If you can't make those dates, we're always hosting volunteer events. Sign up to be informed as new opportunities come up. >> [link removed]

Voter Story

After thirty-two and a half years in prison, Willie 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 cast a ballot and make his voice heard on issues he cares about. But without a Social Security card or documentation to prove his identity, Willie kept hitting roadblock after roadblock.

Thankfully, Willie’s case manager learned about VoteRiders and connected him to our National Voter ID Assistance Director, Pam. Pam worked with Willie every step of the way and made sure he secured the ID he needed to get back on his feet!

Read Willie’s story. >> [link removed]

DONATE >> [link removed]

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VoteRiders is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit organization registered in the US under EIN 45-5081831.
VoteRiders
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Santa Monica, CA 90405
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