Supporting & Empowering LGBTQIA+ Voters During Pride Month
At You Can Vote, we encourage ALL eligible citizens to make their voices heard at the ballot box and celebrate the continued fight for equality, no matter who you are OR love! When supporting LGBTQIA+ voters in the community, our goal is to be a trusted and supportive nonpartisan resource–providing accurate voter information and empowering citizens to overcome barriers to voting.
Here are a few tips for volunteers assisting LGBTQIA+ voters at Pride events this month and throughout the year:
Don’t make assumptions. Always ask for individuals’ preferred pronouns and what name they would like to be called. If you’re not sure what pronouns to use, try using gender neutral language instead.
Use 2nd person language. For instance, “Let’s look up your voter registration to make sure it’s accurate” or “Do you know when you’re voting this year?”
For groups, try using “folks” or “you all/y’all.” For instance, “Are you folks registered to vote at your current address?” or “Do you all have the latest voting rules for NC?”
The name provided on the NC voter registration application must match the voter's legal documents–but you don’t have to use it in conversation. Always ask if the name listed on legal documents is what they prefer to be called before using it.
Demographic information is optional! Voters do not need to identify their gender, ethnicity, or race in box 7 of the NC voter registration application in order to register to vote. This box is optional.
Hands off. Pride events can be full of emotions for LGBTQIA+ individuals. While some attendees may be touching and hugging others, you should maintain a friendly demeanor and avoid touching anyone without their explicit consent. Remember, you are there to help voters, which means earning their trust. Touching a voter without consent could cause them to lose trust in you as a voting advocate.
Know the ins and outs of voter photo ID requirements for trans and gender nonconforming voters.
You do not need to see any identification in order to register someone to vote in North Carolina. Photo ID is not required to register to vote. The 2024 version of the NC voter registration application requires that voters list either the last 4 digits of their social security number or a NC drivers license/DMV ID number. As someone assisting a voter, you do not need to see their drivers license or any identifying documents.
Voters will have to show an accepted form of voter photo ID when they go to vote, such as a NC drivers license, US passport or passport card, approved student ID, or a free voter photo ID from their county’s board of elections. To see the full list of accepted IDs, visit youcanvote.org/voterid.
The name listed on the voter’s photo ID must match the name they used for registration. Voter photo ID laws are intended to use an approved photo ID to match the voter’s face and name to their voter registration. The address listed on their ID does not matter. Similarly, the sex or gender listed on their ID document does not have to match the voter’s current gender identity.
Poll workers have been trained to recognize and understand changes in appearance. If a voter is concerned that their current appearance does not match the photo included on their government issued ID, they can obtain a free voter photo ID from their county board of elections. They must first be registered to vote in their county, so filling out the NC voter registration application is the first step to obtaining a free voter photo ID.
Let voters manage their own data and personal information. Some voters may be more comfortable taking the voter registration form home with them to complete so others do not see their legal name or personal information. That’s okay. Make sure they know how to accurately register to vote and how to return the form to their county’s board of elections. If they have any questions, refer them to youcanvote.org/register.
Help is available! If you have questions about how to vote as an LGBTQIA+ individual in North Carolina or if you encounter any issues when you go to the polls, call the NC Voter Assistance Hotline at 1-888-OUR-VOTE (1-888-687-8683). A team of trained voting experts and legal advisors can help you navigate the voting process and ensure that your voice is heard at the ballot box.
Want more resources? Check out the “LGBTQ+ Know Your Rights!” guide on our handouts page or sign up for an upcoming YCV voter empowerment training.