Our new report finds that an estimated 1.3 million adult transgender U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in the November 2026 midterm elections. In the United States, 36 states have voter ID laws requiring voters to present identification when voting at the polls. Among these, 33 primarily conduct their elections in person.

Within these states, an estimated 323,700 transgender citizens may face barriers to voting in the upcoming elections because they lack an ID that lists their correct name and/or gender. Approximately 113,700 of those without IDs live in states with the strictest voter ID laws, where a government-issued photo ID is required to vote, and few or no alternatives are available.

Join us Tuesday, October 6, for our 2026 DC Fall Reception. Hosted by King & Spalding, with co-hosts Tom Mounteer, Sandra Moscoso, and Floyd Mills, the evening will feature a panel discussion on what research shows about LGBTQ voters and the upcoming midterm elections. A cocktail reception will follow.
We hope you can join us. RSVP today to reserve your spot!

Director of Development

We are seeking an experienced and energetic development professional passionate about advancing the mission of the Institute. The Director of Development will be responsible for leading the Williams Institute's corporate and individual giving programs, including events, gift solicitation, public and private grants, donor cultivation, program endorsement, development operations, and management of support staff. This position supervises a team of four full-time staff and is based in Los Angeles at UCLA.

Deadline to apply: October 4, 2026

Calling all law students! Join the Williams Institute and the National LGBTQ+ Bar for a webinar on LGBTQ+ student legal scholarship. Learn about the publication process, awards and funding, and how scholarship supports career advancement.

Our 2026 NYC Fall Salon will take place on Tuesday, September 29. Sponsored by UBS and Calamos Investments and co-hosted by Eric Berger, Todd Sears, and Mitch Drazin, the evening will feature a discussion of current issues in LGBTQ law and policy, followed by a cocktail reception. RSVP to join us!

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law is an academic research institute dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.