CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The final day to register to vote in the November general election is Tuesday, and one organization is focusing on getting more LGTBQ people to the polls.
LGBTQ advocacy group Fairness West Virginia has launched efforts aimed at increasing voter registration and ensuring voters are safe; the organization last month asked voters to take its Fairness Voter Pledge, which includes encouraging people to register and helping at least three people vote safely.
Fairness West Virginia in September also released its transgender voter guide; the resource offers information about how transgender West Virginia voters can vote as well as what to do if harassed at a polling place.
“Only if LGBTQ people vote in large numbers will we succeed in making sure that those who like to discriminate against us are not re-elected or elected for the first time,” organization Executive Director Andrew Schneider said.
According to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, 21% of LGBTQ adults nationwide are not registered to vote. Williams said it is important for LGBTQ people to participate in elections, especially this year.
“If our community doesn’t use that voice, someone else will speak for us,” he said.
Schneider noted problems transgender people could face when voting, including being denied at a polling place if the identification they present does not match their gender identity.
West Virginia voters are required by law to present a form of identification when voting in person.
Government identifications like driver’s licenses and passports are acceptable, but Schneider said bank statements, utility bills and health insurance cards are also sufficient if issued within six months of the election.
“Too often, transgender people are harassed at the polls or turned away because their appearance doesn’t match what is shown on their ID cards. No one should be prevented from exercising their fundamental right,” he said. “As part of a person’s transition, transgender people might look different today than the picture included on their ID.”
Schneider said if a transgender person cannot vote due to discrimination or is harassed by a poll worker, Fairness West Virginia can assist that individual. Voters can also request a provisional ballot as a last resort.
People can register to vote or update their voter information at https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register/Landing. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office is accepting applications for absentee voting until Oct. 28. The early voting period goes from Oct. 21 to Oct. 31.