But when Skyler went to Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT) office, he was turned away. Four times.
“I think the PennDOT employee was transphobic,” he explained. “He kept on giving me problems and an attitude. First, he said I had to get a new Social Security card before I could get my ID. So I did that, but when I came back a second time, he asked for two pieces of mail. When I went back the third time with two pieces of mail, he said I didn’t bring enough mail — I needed like three or four pieces.”
Finally, Skyler had all the documentation he needed to secure his ID, except he couldn’t pay for it. According to the PennDOT employee, his state ID had to be purchased with a card in his current name, but he couldn’t get one until he opened a bank account — with a state ID.
At this point, Skyler reached out to VoteRiders. Krystle, VoteRiders’ Pennsylvania State Coordinator, made Skyler another appointment with PennDOT, arranged a free ride to take him there, and met him at the appointment. This time, with Krystle’s support and financial help, Skyler secured his Pennsylvania ID and registered to vote.
Too often, financial and bureaucratic barriers keep people from getting an ID. That ID can be used for voting, but it can also be the key to securing housing, banking services, or health care, or affirming someone’s gender identity and preferred name.
You can help: Make your tax-deductible gift now so we’ll be ready to help voters like Skyler in 2025!
