Despite Systemic Barriers, Trans Voter Turnout Outpaces Cis Voters

Despite systemic barriers, a survey of 90,000 U.S. voters shows higher civic engagement from transgender people than cisgender people. 

The 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey is the largest survey of trans people in America, with over 90,000 respondents from all 50 states and several U.S. territories. 

A recent analysis by the Advocates for Trans Equality Education Fund, based on the data from this survey, shows that 75% of transgender voters report casting a ballot in the 2020 presidential election, whereas only 67% of the general population report the same. The analysis also shows that 82% of respondents reported being registered to vote, compared to only 73% of the general population. 

The statistics are truly inspiring to see. The queer community faces many challenges, such as systemic barriers, when it comes to voting. For example, transgender people are three times more likely than the general U.S. population to report that they don’t know how to register to vote.

Of the respondents who didn’t register to vote in the 2020 presidential election, 24% say they’re not interested in the election or politics, 19% believe their vote doesn’t matter, and 11% think they missed the registration deadline. However, 6% of respondents report experiencing difficulties due to their gender identity.

Half of that 6% say their difficulties come from their name not matching their ID, another 2% have concerns about harassment from election officials, and 1% fear their state’s voter ID laws would prevent them from voting. 

Trans people often face systemic barriers when trying to acquire or update their IDs, even in states where those changes are allowed. According to the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), 13% of trans adults live in states that require a public announcement in the paper to change their name. Additionally, 66% live in states with extra restrictions or requirements for those with criminal records.

For instance, in Illinois, individuals with felony convictions within the past 10 years are barred from changing their names, a rule that disproportionately impacts Black trans women, as cited by Injustice Watch.

In a press release sent to Them, Dr. Ankit Rastogi, the Director of Research at Advocates for Trans Equality, says the report “really underscore(s) that trans vote count.” 

“Yet, we have to jump through hurdles to vote,” they continue. “Trans people deserve to participate fully in our democracy, and that means removing barriers to give us equal access to the ballot and make sure we are treated with respect at the polls.”

Despite facing these challenges, trans people are very involved in civic matters. The survey shows trans voters’ top concerns are violence against trans individuals (46%), racial justice (38%), and coverage for trans medical care (35%). 

It makes sense. Trans people have to be involved in politics because, unfortunately, our very existence is political. It’s a privilege not to have to care about politics. It’s a privilege to feel safe knowing that the law doesn’t discriminate against or oppress you. It’s a privilege our community rarely receives.

But there is hope. The more trans people get involved, the more our voices will be heard. We will not stand for neglect. We will not stand for injustice. We will not stand for violence and oppression. We will fight for our freedom, our equality, and our safety.

Image from UnSplash