There has been concern recently about transgender Virginians having trouble at the voting polls due to strict Voter ID laws. We all know that identity documents (drivers’ license, birth certificates, etc.) can be a problem area for transgender people. However, there is no valid reason that a poll worker can deny you from voting based on any discrepancy between the gender marker or gender presentation on your photo ID and your gender identity or current gender presentation.

In Virginia, you must present a photo ID to vote in person. You can find a list of acceptable photo IDs here. If you don’t have a valid photo ID, you can get a free voter photo ID by filling out this form in person at any General Registrar’s office, including on Election Day! This free voter photo ID does not have a gender marker.

Once again, you cannot be denied a ballot because of gender discrepancies on a photo ID. Please report if you have any problems exercising your right to vote because you are transgender, or because your gender presentation does not match the gender marker or presentation on your photo ID. You can call the National Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). We also encourage you to share your story through Equality Virginia’s Tell It page. 

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) has a great #VotingWhileTrans info sheet (in Spanish and English) that includes how to vote, what to do if you experience issues with voting due to your photo ID and gender marker, and what to tell poll workers if they give you trouble. It may be helpful to print this off and have it with you when you visit the polls so you can show poll workers.

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