Voting While Trans Awareness Campaign Launched
Yesterday, the National Center for Transgender Equality launched a series of public service announcements targeting what transgender individuals need to know in order to vote in the upcoming election. As part of the NCTE's awareness campaign "Voting While Trans," the PSAs discuss how many transgender individuals could have their right to vote challenged under new voter suppression laws requiring photo ID before casting a ballot.
The PSAs [VIDEO] highlight the stories of four transgender individuals talking about their voting experiences. They reveal the discrimination and harassment many transgender individuals face at the polls and provide voting tips for transgender individuals, such as checking their voter registration card for their correct name and address. The campaign also includes a PSA directed at poll workers to raise awareness of the burden faced by transgender individuals this election.
Voter suppression legislation has recently passed in 19 states, with the legislation being brought into law in 17 states. These laws have the potential to disenfranchise up to 5 million people in the U.S. and are specifically designed to target people of color, young people, women, and gender non-conforming individuals.
Media Resources: Sources: National Center for Transgender Equality 10/4/12