Know Your Rights: Voting While Trans

You have the right to vote even if your gender presentation or identity doesn’t match the gender marker, name, or photo on your ID.

The Rundown

You have the right to vote as long as the name on your ID is “substantially similar” or identical to the name with which you registered to vote. If the name on your ID is “substantially similar” to the one you registered to vote with, you may be asked to fill out a form confirming your identity.

Forms of ID include:

TX Driver’s License

  • TX Personal ID

  • Election ID Certificate

  • TX Handgun License

  • US Military ID w/ Photo

  • US Citizenship Card w/ Photo

  • US Passport

You can also bring a current utility bill or bank statement with your name and address you use to vote to supplemental documents.

NOTE: You can still cast a ballot without a photo ID. IDs can be expired up to 4 years.

FYI:

If you have a “reasonable impediment”, tell the poll worker that you would like to present an alternative ID.

You will need to sign a document declaring yourself and the reason for not having a photo ID and then be given your ballot.

Mail-In Ballots

Make sure you put your driver’s license/state ID # on your ballot and envelope. Using any other number will get your ballot thrown out. Applications for vote by mail must be signed with an actual signature, not a digital or photocopy signature.

Check your voting by mail eligibility:

If you determine that you qualify to vote by mail, you do not need to provide proof of your qualification or indicate your reasoning beyond checking a box in the category under which you fall.

The County Clerk must process your application if you fill out the form and does not have authority to investigate your reason for checking any particular box.

Election Protection Hotline: 866-687-8683

Helpful Links

Find your polling place: www.votetexas.gov

Get your personalized ballot: www.vote411.org

Access the 2024 General Election Voters Guide: www.lwvtexas.org