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The Bi+ Voters Guide

By the Advocacy Committee: Aiyanah Peeples, Lauren Mariolis, Bailey Merlin, Brooke Lindley

Disclaimer: While we have created this resource with the most up to date information and resources that we have, voting rights and regulations are constantly undergoing change. We will try to update this page as federal changes are made, but we do not have the capacity to follow voting legislation in every state. Please stay up to date on your state’s voting legislation. 

Why Vote

As a participant in a democracy, voting is one of the most important ways of ensuring your voice is heard and having a say in how our country is run. American democracy has always been flawed, and has historically excluded many groups, but the power of the vote is an important part of making change. Multiple communities and marginalized groups have fought hard for the right to vote because they know its importance in making this country better for all of its people. US voter turnout has historically been low, especially during midterm elections, so being one of the people to actually vote is very important. Even in times like these where it feels like your political voice does not matter, voting is what keeps the fabric of our democracy alive. 

The Queer/Trans Vote

It was not long ago in this country that queer people did not have legal rights or political power. And while protests and demonstrations like the Stonewall Riots have been crucial to gaining these rights and power, our vote has always mattered. Putting pro-queer and pro-trans candidates in power, and voting out those who do not support us, has given queer and trans communities in many states political power. And some candidates do try to give us lip service in order to exploit our vote, so it is important to properly research candidates and hold them accountable during elections. In times like we are living in now, where our rights are being taken away by those in power, it is important that queer and trans people show up to vote. Moreover, while queer people have never explicitly been banned from voting, many queer people with intersecting identities (such as people of color and women) have been banned from voting. This has stifled the political power of queer people in the United States. This is why as a queer/trans person it is important that in this election and every election, you show up and vote. 

How to Vote

Registration

In order to vote for any election (Primary, Preliminary, General, etc), you must be registered to vote. This registration must include an up to date name and address. Rules regarding registration vary by state, but you must be at least 18 to vote.

How to Check Your Voter Registration

Even if you have registered to vote in the past, it is still worth checking if you are correctly registered to vote. While some states do allow same-day registration and/or updates to registration, others do not, so it is important to check well in advance of Election Day, especially if you have moved or changed your name since you last voted.

You can check your voter registration status here: https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state 

How to Register to Vote

If you have never voted before, it is great you are starting to do so now. Voter registration regulations vary by state, but generally you must provide an up to date name, address, and a form of ID. In many states you can register online (but not all), and it takes minutes to complete. After registering, be sure to double-check your registration status to ensure it went through properly. While some states do allow same-day registration and/or updates to registration, others do not, so it is important to register in advance of Election Day.

You can register to vote here: https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state 

Registration Deadlines

As previously mentioned, while some states do allow same-day registration and/or updates to registration, others do not. Below is a link that provides voter registration deadlines for each state, as well as how to register to vote:

You can check your voter registration deadline here: https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/ 

How to Vote

There are multiple ways to vote. Election Day is November 3 this year, and you can vote before or on Election Day. You can also vote in person or by mail.

You can see your sample ballot here: https://www.vote411.org/ 

The most common voting method is in person on Election Day. In person voting takes place in what is called a polling location. The polling location you vote at depends on where you live. While regulations and procedures vary by state, generally you will enter your polling location, check in at a table with poll workers (you will potentially need some form of identification) and be handed a ballot and directed to a voting booth. Once in the voting booth, follow the instructions on the ballot carefully and be sure to double check your ballot before turning it in. Your polling locations should follow certain ADA requirements, and may have ballots in multiple languages. 

If you run into any issues while voting, you can call the Election Protection Hotline here: https://866ourvote.org/ 

You can also vote early in many places. The early voting polling locations often differ from Election Day polling locations. 

You can find more information about early voting here: https://www.vote.org/early-voting-calendar/ 

If you cannot vote in person, some states offer a mail-in voting option. If you are voting by mail, you will need to request a mail-in ballot. In most states, this will need to be done well in advance. Once you have the mail-in ballot, be sure to fill it out and mail it by the deadline. Be sure to read the instructions on the ballot carefully.

You can find deadlines for mail-in ballots here: https://www.usvotefoundation.org/state-election-dates-and-deadlines 

However, if you cannot vote in person, some states require you cast an absentee ballot. This will also be sent by mail. These states only allow people to cast an absentee ballot for specific reasons. Once you have the absentee ballot, be sure to fill it out and mail it by the deadline. Be sure to read the instructions on the ballot carefully.

You can find deadlines for absentee ballots here: https://www.usvotefoundation.org/state-election-dates-and-deadlines 

Finding Where to Vote

If you are voting in person on Election Day, you will do so at a polling location. Your polling location depends on where exactly you live. If you do not go to the right polling location, you will not be able to vote there. Be sure to know your polling location well in advance. On Election Day, some cities/states have deals with rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft for discounted rates to polling locations. Moreover, some non-profit organizations give people free or reduced fair rides to polling locations. 

Find information about where to vote here: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/  

Election Day Plan

Before Election Day, take a few minutes to make a plan for when, where, and how you will vote. Confirm your polling location, check the hours your polling place is open, and review what identification or documentation may be required in your state. If your state offers early voting or absentee voting, you may also want to explore those options ahead of time. Planning in advance can help reduce last-minute barriers and give you more time to focus on making informed choices. This resource shares information on the last day to register to vote and if your state offers absentee voting or voting by mail. https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-deadlines/

If you go to Vote411, you will be able to review a sample ballot before you vote. Consider transportation, work schedules, child care, accessibility needs, and how much time you may need at the polls. Election Day can be busy, but having a clear plan can make the voting process feel more manageable. Don’t forget to look up where your polling location and the time it opens and closes.

How to do Research as a Voter and How to Research Candidates on LGBTQ+ Issues

Voting is one of the many ways we can participate in shaping our communities. But showing up at the polls is only one part of the process. Being an informed voter means taking the time to understand who is on your ballot, what responsibilities come with each elected position, and how candidates have approached issues that matter to you. 

For LGBTQ+ voters and allies, that may include researching how candidates have addressed LGBTQ+ safety, equality, inclusion, and access to resources.

Start with their record, not just their campaign messaging.

If a candidate has previously held public office, look at their voting record, legislation they have sponsored or supported, public statements, and actions taken while in office. A campaign website tells you what a candidate wants voters to know today; a public record can provide a broader picture of how they have approached issues over time.

Look at the issues that directly affect LGBTQ+ communities.

Consider where candidates stand on policies related to nondiscrimination protections, access to health care, education, and school safety, housing, and employment protections, family rights, violence prevention, and the rights and safety of transgender and gender-diverse people.

Pay attention to what candidates say and what they do not say.

Search candidates websites or visit resources that lay it out all. For example, Ballotpedia. 

https://ballotpedia.org/LGBTQ_issues_ballot_measures 

Compare information from official government records, candidate materials, community organizations, and nonpartisan voter resources. Example: League of Women Voters, Vote411, ACLU, Trans Legislation Tracker, and Equality Federation

When you see a claim about a candidate, trace it back to the original vote, statement, legislation, or policy whenever possible.

Remember that local elections matter, too.

National elections often receive the most attention, but decisions affecting LGBTQ+ people are also made in city halls, county government, school boards, courts, and state legislatures. 

Ultimately, an informed vote is a personal decision. Our role is not to tell you who deserves your vote. We encourage every voter to ask questions, examine the evidence, understand the responsibilities of each office, and decide which candidates best reflect the future they want for their community.

Resources

Resources for researching on candidates and LGBTQ+ issues

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