Three tips for trans and nonbinary voters in Pa.

There is a lot at stake in this year’s election for LGBTQ+ voters and our allies. Both the governor and a U.S. senator are on the ballot, and the winners will play a key role in determining rights to abortion, marriage, and equality for all.

The votes of Black, brown, and LGBTQ folks could be the deciding factor in this election — but for these same people, casting a ballot often comes with high barriers that can keep us from exercising our constitutional right.

Reporting by The 19th recently detailed how voter ID laws are standing between women, trans, and nonbinary folks, and the ability to vote. One in five American Gen Z-ers identifies as LGBTQ, and many trans and nonbinary people struggle to access the ID they need to register and vote safely.

According to HRC Foundation’s 2019 Voter Experience Study, voter identification requirements led more than half of transgender adults to either choose not to vote, or be unable or ineligible to vote in at least one election in their lifetime. Nearly half of transgender adults reported the issue was their identification documents (including name and gender marker) not matching their current name, gender expression, or presentation.

To vote safely in this year’s election and make our voices heard, here’s what LGBTQ Pennsylvanians — particularly trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming folks — need to know.

Pennsylvania does not have same-day voter registration, so you have to register to vote before the Monday deadline in order to vote in the Nov. 8 election.

Registering online is easy at vote.pa.gov, or you can download a paper application and mail it in. Your application must be received by Monday. You’ll need the number on your driver’s license or Pennsylvania. state ID, or you can use your Social Security number.

Many queer folks have an ID that doesn’t match their current gender expression — maybe the photo is outdated or you no longer identify with the gender listed on your ID. That’s OK. It’s important to know that the photo or gender marker on your ID does not need to match your current gender presentation in order to register.

If you have updated your name on your license or state ID, but not your Social Security card (or vice versa) that isn’t a problem. You can still register using the ID with the name and gender you chose.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote? You can check and confirm here. Once you register, you’ll get a confirmation of your registration in the form of a voter card that comes in the mail. Make sure to hang on to this, as it’s a valid form of ID for voting.

The first time you vote in a new place, you will need to show some form of identification. This does not have to be a photo ID, and you can use your voter registration card. Other acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, state ID, student ID, employee ID, U.S. passport, armed forces ID, or any ID issued by a Pennsylvania agency or the U.S. government.

There are also non-photo IDs that are accepted as long as they list your current address, including a firearm permit, current utility bill, current bank statement, current paycheck, or government check.

Be sure that the ID you bring matches the name and address on your voter registration. If you need support getting a valid ID, the nonprofit organization Vote Riders can help.

Voting by mail is safe, secure, and easy, and it’s a great option for people who struggle to get time off work to get to the polls, who might be out of town on Election Day, or who like to have as much time as necessary to research and make their choices.

You can request your mail-in ballot online here. Make sure you request it by 5 p.m. on Nov. 1.

Voting by mail also means you won’t be misgendered by poll workers or encounter harassment or intimidation, so it may feel safer. Be sure to fill out and return your ballot as early as possible. It has to reach your county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 8 this year.

Your safety is most important. If you feel threatened or harassed, or have questions about voting, you can always contact the National Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Voting is your right. Don’t let someone tell you you cannot vote. If your right to vote is ever in question, ask to cast a provisional ballot, which allows officials to confirm your eligibility.

With attacks on voting rights, fair elections, and legislation that threatens the dignity of the LGBTQ community, we are our own best advocates. This year, make sure your voice is heard and don’t let anyone take away your right to vote safely, as your true self.

Freddie McCrea is a young queer Black man, and digital organizer with Human Rights Campaign PA.