VoteRiders
Help voters get documents needed to vote!
Obtaining a birth certificate will help people get a state ID and cast a ballot that counts!
Posted May 20, 2025
Background & Context
VoteRiders is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization that for more than a decade has helped voters who live in states that require ID to vote. Many voters, especially lower income voters, people of color, young people, and elderly people lack a current ID or license to cast a ballot that counts. People also need ID to access healthcare, housing, obtain employment, and much more. VoteRiders staff and volunteers provide free assistance to ensure that no voter is turned away due to lack of ID.
Immediate Problem
Many states now require ID in order to obtain a birth certificate, but the birth certificate is also required to get ID, creating a circular dilemma that many voters find impossible to navigate. Volunteer lawyers will represent the voter to order the birth certificate.
Work & Deliverables
More and more states are requiring people to have an ID to request their birth certificates, but the birth certificates are required in order to get an ID. 38 states require ID to vote, disenfranchising more than 10 million voters nationwide. Volunteer lawyers will provide a limited representation to an individual voter to order their birth certificate. VoteRiders will provide any needed training and pay the cost of the birth certificate. Volunteer lawyers must have a bar admission that will allow them to represent the voter obtain their BC, generally in the state where the voter is located.
Preparation Phase
- Schedule an orientation call with the VoteRiders in-house team
- Review birth certificate resource materials
- Create a form retention letter for the voter to be assisted
Collaboration Phase
- VoteRiders introduces volunteer attorney to the voter
- Volunteer attorney explains and secures a signed representation letter from the voter
- Volunteer attorney collects the necessary details from the voter (birth date, birth place, etc.)
- Volunteer attorney orders the BC online with the voter on the phone
Wrap Up
- Add order details to the VoteRiders case management system for the voter
- If VoteRiders payment system has been used, reconcile the charge with a receipt
- Follow up with the voter at the time the BC is expected to be delivered
- Notify VoteRiders' contact that the BC is done and any further work can go forward
VoteRiders
VoteRiders is a non-partisan, non-profit organization founded in 2012 with a mission to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote. VoteRiders informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID as well as inspires and supports organizations, local volunteers, and communities to sustain voter ID education and assistance efforts.
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VoteRiders
VoteRiders is a non-partisan, non-profit organization founded in 2012 with a mission to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote. VoteRiders informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID as well as inspires and supports organizations, local volunteers, and communities to sustain voter ID education and assistance efforts.