Author: The Williams Institute
Author Contact: Rachel Dowd, dowd@law.ucla.edu
Published: 15th Sep 2022 - Updated: 21st Oct 2022
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: Transgender News Publications
Summary: More than 200,000 transgender citizens could face barriers to voting in the 2022 midterm elections.
Voter registration requirements and voter ID laws may present a challenge for transgender people who do not have accurate identification.
An estimated 878,300 transgender adults will be eligible to vote in the 2022 midterm elections, according to a new report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. Approximately 203,700 of them could have problems voting at the polls because they do not have an ID that correctly reflects their name and/or gender. Approximately 64,800 of these transgender adults reside in states with the strictest forms of voter ID laws and could potentially be disenfranchised.
In the U.S., 35 states have voter ID laws that require people to provide some form of identification to vote. Eight states with the strictest voter ID laws-Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Wisconsin-require people to show a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, U.S. passport, or military ID to vote using a regular ballot.
"The requirements for updating the name and gender on official IDs vary widely across states, and the process can be complex and costly," said lead author Kathryn O'Neill, Policy Analyst at the Williams Institute. "Transgender voters who live in states that require an ID to vote may face scrutiny or be turned away at the polls."
Transgender people of color, young adults, students, people with low incomes, those experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities are more likely to not have accurate IDs for voting.
"Voter ID laws may create barriers to voting for substantial numbers of voting-eligible transgender people, which is particularly notable in elections that are decided by a few votes," said co-author Jody L. Herman, Senior Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute. "States should take steps to improve access to voting for transgender people by changing voter ID laws, making the process of obtaining accurate IDs simpler and more affordable, training poll workers, and reducing barriers to voting more broadly."
Read the full report by following this link: The Potential Impact of Voter Identification Laws on Transgender Voters in the 2022 General Election
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, a think tank on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy, is dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research with real-world relevance.
Transgender Citizens Could Face Barriers to Voting in 2022 Midterm Elections | The Williams Institute (Rachel Dowd, dowd@law.ucla.edu). SexualDiversity.org makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Content may have been edited for style, clarity or length.
Post to Twitter Add to Facebook
| Latest Transgender News Publications | |
|---|---|
The above information is from our reference library of resources relating to Transgender News that includes: | |
 | Peri-Operative Care of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals New guidance for clinicians and departments published for peri-operative care of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Publish Date: 24th Jul 2024 |
| Study Highlights Need for Tailored Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines for Transgender Women Study finds PSA tests may give false reassurance for transgender women on estrogen therapy and could miss some cancers. Publish Date: 28th Jun 2024 |
| Dietary Supplement Use in Transmasculine People Study highlights the need for population-level research on the nutritional needs of transgender people. Publish Date: 25th Mar 2024 |
 | Transgender Scientists Address Academic Challenges and Offer Ways to Provide Support Transgender, and family members of transgender, scientists describe what it is like to be a transgender person in STEMM. Publish Date: 14th Mar 2024 - Updated: 5th Oct 2024 |
1Transgender Reporting Guide
How to write about transgender people.
2Am I Gay? Questions to Ask
Think you may be gay or bisexual?
3Glossary of Sexuality Terms
Definitions of sexual terms & acronyms.
4LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Symbols of Identity and Inclusion.
5LGBT Awareness Dates
Important LGBTQ community awareness days, remembrance dates, and coming pride events.
• Submissions: Send us your coming events and LGBTQ related news stories.
• Report Errors: Please report outdated or inaccurate information to us.
• (APA): The Williams Institute. (2022, September 15). Transgender Citizens Could Face Barriers to Voting in 2022 Midterm Elections. SexualDiversity.org. Retrieved December 12, 2024 from www.sexualdiversity.org/news/transgender/1023.php
• Permalink: <a href="https://www.sexualdiversity.org/news/transgender/1023.php">Transgender Citizens Could Face Barriers to Voting in 2022 Midterm Elections</a>