This presidential election will have major implications for transgender and non-binary people. The current Administration has enacted and proposed many policy changes designed to make life harder and less protected for trans and non-binary children, youth, adults, and their families. If that is not the future you want, do not give up your primary power to change it: vote!
If you know a(nother) trans or non-binary adult, offer to support them in casting their vote. You can witness someone’s absentee ballot (be sure they drop it off at a dropbox or at the polls on Tuesday), be on the phone with them while they wait in line, or be present via text.
During COVID-19, take extra precautions to keep yourself and your community safe. If you’re accompanying someone to the polls in-person, make sure to wear masks and open the windows if you’re in a car. When possible, maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, and carry a small hand sanitizer bottle to use if you touch anything possibly contaminated. If you can’t be with someone in person, you could support them getting to the polls by loading up their transportation card for the bus or ordering them a Lyft ride!
Especially in states where ID is required to vote, voting can be daunting for trans people whose ID doesn’t exactly match their name and/or gender presentation. Having a friend to help advocate or just provide moral support can be the difference between voting and not voting.
Go equipped with contingency plans. The National Center for Transgender Equality has a simple checklist for trans voters at: https://transformthevote.org/voting. You can also print and bring this document to share with poll workers if they have need education about trans voters and voter ID.
Want more advice on which candidates are pro-trans? Check out these lists:
#30DaysOfAction; #TDOR; #TDOR2020
P.S. After the election, another big day is coming: December 1, #GivingTuesday.