VoteRiders

VoteRiders helps voters overcome voting obstacles through:

• State-by-state information about voter ID requirements
• Toll free helpline that citizens can call or text for voter ID information and assistance{{Cite web |last=Liu |first=Jennifer |date=2020-10-26 |title=How voting rights groups are providing free and safe transportation to the polls during the pandemic |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/26/free-discounted-transportation-options-to-get-to-your-polling-place.html |access-date=2021-07-15 |website=CNBC |language=en}}
• Payment of costs, arrangement of appointments, acquisition of documents{{Cite web |last=contributor |first=Lauren Jessop {{!}} The Center Square |date=2024-05-07 |title=Group helps residents overcome voting ID barriers |url=https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_9054bfde-0c9d-11ef-a99d-4bf11ff48a26.html |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=The Center Square |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Quick Reference - Arizona ID Card {{!}} Arizona Department of Economic Security |url=https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/current-member-resources/qrg/arizona-id-card |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=des.az.gov}}
• Transportation information: VoteRiders helps address transportation barriers{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Nick |date=2023-01-17 |title=VoteRiders gearing up to offer voter ID assistance in Ohio • Ohio Capital Journal |url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/01/17/vote-riders-gearing-up-to-offer-voter-id-assistance-in-ohio/ |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=Ohio Capital Journal |language=en-US}}
• VoteRiders' Voter ID Chatbot is available via SMS, Facebook Messenger and website chat, allowing voters across the country to get real-time guidance from VoteRiders{{cite web |last1=Lewis-Hall |first1=Jennifer |date=11 December 2020 |title=In Focus: Voter Education Organization Looking Ahead of 2024... |url=https://phl17.com/in-focus/in-focus-voter-education-organization-looking-ahead-of-2024-electoral-college-new-mural-in-camden-speaks-hope-the-salvation-army-seeks-help/ |access-date=31 January 2021 |website=PHL17}}{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Voter ID Help: Educating and assisting citizens to secure their voter ID |url=https://worldjusticeproject.org/world-justice-challenge/voter-id-help-educating-and-assisting-citizens-secure-their-voter-id |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=World Justice Project}}

VoteRiders was founded in 2012 by Kathleen Unger,{{cite news|last=Field|first=Andy|title=Protecting Your Voting Rights|url=http://voteriders.com/news/voteriders-featured-abc-news-radio|access-date=12 February 2013|newspaper=ABC News Radio|date=18 June 2012|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002044856/http://voteriders.com/news/voteriders-featured-abc-news-radio}} an election integrity specialist,{{cite news|last=Sloan|first=Ellen|title=Women of All Political Stripes May Be Disenfranchised at November Polls|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-sloan/law-of-unintended-consequences_b_1820524.html|access-date=12 February 2013|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=23 August 2012}}{{cite web |last1=Lessig |first1=Lawrence |author-link1=Lawrence Lessig |title=How VoteRiders Is Helping A Million People Get Voter ID [3-20-2020] |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/another-way-by-lawrence-lessig/id1436210825?i=1000468988406 |website=Another Way |publisher=Apple Podcasts |access-date=22 March 2020}} and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.{{cite news|last=Coghlan|first=Ed|title=California group poised to work on voter IDs this week, but not in California|url=http://www.cafwd.org/reporting/entry/california-group-posed-to-work-on-voters-ids-this-week-but-not-in-california|access-date=12 February 2013|newspaper=CAFwd.org|date=5 November 2012|archive-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223171433/http://www.cafwd.org/reporting/entry/california-group-posed-to-work-on-voters-ids-this-week-but-not-in-california}}

To promote the cause of ballot access nationwide, VoteRiders has broadened its website to be a comprehensive portal for state-by-state information about voter ID requirements and has developed printable wallet cards that highlight the IDs specified in each state's voter ID law in English and Spanish, which are available on its website. They also established a toll free helpline that citizens can call or text for voter ID information and assistance.{{cite news |last1=Gillett |first1=Rachel |last2=Harrington |first2=Rebecca |date=November 7, 2016 |title=Get ready to vote: Answers to 10 practical Election Day questions |work=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-vote-faqs-election-day-common-practical-questions-2016-11/#do-i-need-id-to-vote-3 |access-date=September 13, 2017}}{{Cite web |title=Nonpartisan Helpline Hopes to Dismantle Voter Intimidation, Confusion |url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/election/2020/10/17/nonpartisan-helpline-hopes-to-dismantle-voter-intimidation--confusion |access-date=2020-10-21 |website=spectrumnews1.com |language=en}}

The non-profit's voter outreach includes holding Voter ID Clinics, which provide direct aid to local communities to assist citizens in obtaining critical documents like birth certificates and proof of citizenship. The VoteRiders volunteer team{{Cite web |title=The Election Now: Black Women Rising |url=https://www.essence.com/magazine/the-election-now-black-women-rising/ |access-date=2019-07-18 |website=Essence |language=en-US}} participates in outreach such as research, training, tabling, phone- and text-banking as well as letter-writing. VoteRiders partners with national organizations such as the Election Protection Coalition and Rock the Vote as well as state and local organizations.

The 2023 study conducted by VoteRiders and the University of Maryland Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement analysis shows that nearly 29,000,000 voting-age Americans do not possess a non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Young people, people of color, and women, are the groups most burdened by Voter ID laws.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Report shows young people, people of color less likely to have valid photo identification |url=https://phys.org/news/2023-04-young-people-valid-photo-identification.html |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=phys.org |language=en}} A June 2024 study by VoteRiders and the Center found 21 million of voting age did not have a current driver's license.{{Cite web |last=Vasilogambros |first=Matt |date=2024-07-02 |title=More States Consider Voter ID Laws Despite Contradicting Research |url=https://www.governing.com/politics/more-states-consider-voter-id-laws-despite-contradicting-research |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=Governing |publisher=Stateline.org |language=en}}

Voter ID laws vary nationwide. According to a study cited in Journalist's Resource,{{cite news |last1=Ordway |first1=Denise-Marie |title=New insights on US voters who don't have photo ID |url=https://journalistsresource.org/studies/politics/elections/voter-photo-id-law-research/ |access-date=3 September 2019 |publisher=Journalist's Research |date=August 16, 2018}} a reference desk established by the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University, the "evidence supports the notion that strict voter identification laws prevent otherwise eligible individuals from voting, and have disproportionately negative impacts on minority citizens."

The Rockefeller Foundation reports that VoteRiders has achieved reaching over 7 million voters directly with ID information and assistance with a dedicated group of 9,000 volunteers, in the 2022 election cycle.{{Cite web |title=Building a Resilient Democracy, One Identity Card at a Time |url=https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/case-study/building-a-resilient-democracy-one-identity-card-at-a-time/ |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=The Rockefeller Foundation |language=en-US}}

In 2018, an NBC News article{{Cite web |date=2018-02-10 |title=Restrictive voter ID laws are no match for this group |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/restrictive-voter-id-laws-are-no-match-group-n845291 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=NBC News |language=en}} noted that VoteRiders is highly effective in its grassroots efforts to help eligible voters obtain ID while other organizations fight restrictive laws in the judicial system. A law professor and voting experts quoted in the article said that challenging strict laws in court and helping citizens comply with existing rules at the same time is essential.

A 2019 documentary narrated by Jeffrey Wright, Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook,{{cite news |last1=Helm |first1=Angela |date=4 April 2019 |title=Rigged Shows How an Organized, Well-Funded System of Voter Suppression Doesn't Bode Well for Black Folks—or Democracy |url=https://www.theroot.com/rigged-shows-how-an-organized-well-funded-system-of-vo-1833783745 |access-date=3 September 2019 |publisher=The Root}} included clips that featured VoteRiders.

An interview with Kathleen Unger in the January 6, 2021 issue of Ms. described her as "one of the leading experts and legal minds when it comes to election protection" and quotes her that "VoteRiders was born of outrage - my outrage that people will be deprived of their right to vote."{{cite news |author=Szal, Roxy |author2=Fleischer, Katie |date=January 6, 2021 |title=The Ms Q&A: VoteRiders' Kathleen Unger Talks Voter ID Laws and the Georgia Elections |work=Ms. |url=https://msmagazine.com/2021/01/06/kathleen-unger-voteriders-voter-id-laws-georgia-runoff-elections/ |access-date=January 12, 2021}}

On April 27, 2021, Unger was interviewed by ABC News' Devin Dwyer where she spoke of the urgency of voter ID efforts in the face of new voting requirements being enacted in multiple US states.{{Cite web |title=Crunch time for voter ID clinics as states tighten election laws |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/crunch-time-voter-id-clinics-states-tighten-election/story?id=77169407 |access-date=2021-05-01 |website=ABC News |language=en}}

In 2022, thirty-six states in the U.S. had voter ID laws. Twelve of those states had "strict" voter ID laws which may have required voters who did not have an acceptable form of ID to submit a provisional ballot and seven of those required a valid photo ID. "[A] trans voter might very likely find themselves in a situation where they present an ID that doesn't necessarily align with the name or the gender that they currently identify(...) They're more likely to face sort of outright mechanical challenges when it comes to voting," said Lauren Kunis, CEO and Executive Director of VoteRiders. Since the 2020 election, eleven states have passed new or stricter voter ID laws, which could play a significant role in election outcomes, according to Kunis.{{Cite web |last=Stanton |first=Cady |date=November 7, 2022 |title=As anti-LGBTQ rhetoric grows, voter ID laws create obstacles for thousands of transgender voters |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/11/07/midterms-transgender-voters-obstacles/8250084001/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}

In November 2023, Newsweek published an article highlighting an election warning from VoteRiders about voter confusion following passage of a spate of new voter ID laws in multiple states.{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Kate |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Election Warning Issued Over Voter ID |url=https://www.newsweek.com/voter-id-rules-confusing-elections-advocacy-1843055 |website=Newsweek |language=en-US}} The nonpartisan voter rights group noted that the number of calls and texts it fielded from voters needing assistance to obtain ID to vote in 2023 elections skyrocketed by nearly 300% over requests received in 2021, the most recent similar election year. The organization said that in the week before November 7, 2023, as Americans in numerous states prepared to vote in elections that would decide high-stakes state ballot initiatives and gubernatorial and state house elections, VoteRiders experienced an uptick in urgent requests for voter ID assistance. The non-profit received almost 80% more requests for help than it received in 2021. Newsweek cited additional data from VoteRiders outlining the growing number of hurdles eligible voters must overcome to cast a ballot. For example, the number of Americans who live in a voter ID state increased by 52 million since 2012, and since 2020, 17 states passed new or more stringent voter ID requirements. Lauren Kunis, CEO and Executive Director of VoteRiders, told Newsweek that the rapid increase in requests for assistance signals an urgent need for voter education on ID requirements.

In Georgia, VoteRiders helped voters cure absentee ballot rejections by providing guidance on new ID requirements that varied by voting method. Their efforts supported voters whose ballots were initially rejected due to confusion over these changing rules. These actions were part of a broader push to ensure eligible votes were counted despite recent election law changes.{{Cite web |last=Dunlap |first=Stanley |date=2024-11-08 |title=Georgia's record early voting, post-2020 stress tests helped to defuse election rules overhaul • Georgia Recorder |url=https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/11/08/georgias-record-early-voting-post-2020-stress-tests-helped-to-defuse-election-rules-overhaul/ |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=Georgia Recorder |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-02-09 |title=Letting voters fix mail ballots cuts rejection rates. Not all Pa. counties allow it. |url=https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2025-02-09/pennnsylvania-mail-ballot-curing-rejection-rates |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=90.5 WESA |language=en}}

In the run-up to the 2018 election, VoteRiders was cited as a resource to help voters obtain ID in a Glamour magazine article about modern attempts to disenfranchise women and people of color.{{cite journal |last1=Gardner |first1=Abby |date=September 5, 2018 |title=This Woman Had to Take a Test to Vote in 1964. Now She's Warning Others Not to Forget. |url=https://www.glamour.com/story/american-woman-cnn-voting-marian-haslem |journal=Glamour |issue=September |access-date=3 September 2019}}

A VoteRiders coordinator was quoted in an Essence article published on November 1, 2018, about the importance of ensuring that black women participate in the democratic process.{{cite journal |last1=Owens |first1=Donna |date=1 November 2018 |title=The Election Now: Black Women Rising |url=https://www.essence.com/magazine/the-election-now-black-women-rising/ |journal=Essence |issue=November |access-date=3 September 2019}}

In the 2020 election, 35 states had voter ID laws. Some states require a current government-issued photo ID, while others' may accept a document such as a bank statement, paystub or utility bill showing the voter's name and address. VoteRiders founder Kathleen Unger noted that in many states "it's not enough to register to vote." She announced that VoteRiders is partnering with major law firms and other voter protection groups to provide assistance to voters who need information on the ID laws in their state and help them obtain the required ID.{{Cite web |last=Panetta |first=Grace |title=How to vote and make sure it counts if you've moved or relocated in the past 6 months |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-vote-after-moving-relocating-2020-9 |access-date=2020-09-16 |website=Business Insider}}

Unger raised the alarm about the possibility that signature matching problems on mail-in ballots could become the "hanging chad of 2020" since more voters are expected to vote by mail due to the pandemic. She noted that older voters, younger voters and voters with disabilities may be especially vulnerable to having their ballots disqualified due to signature matching issues.{{Cite web |last=Panetta |first=Grace |title=5 mistakes that can disqualify your November mail ballot and how to avoid them |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-that-can-disqualify-your-mail-absentee-ballot-2020-9 |access-date=2020-09-16 |website=Business Insider}}

In an October 2022 article on obstacles trans people face due to voter ID laws and state rules governing trans identification, Rolling Stone cited VoteRiders as a resource that can help voters get the ID they need and respond to challenges from elections officials.{{Cite magazine |last=Michaelson |first=Jay |date=2022-10-20 |title=The GOP Voter Suppression Machine Has a New Target: Trans People |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/transgender-rights-voter-id-republicans-voting-1234615400/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |access-date=2022-12-03}}{{Cite web |title=Over 200,000 trans people could face voting restrictions because of state ID laws |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/200000-trans-people-face-voting-restrictions-state-id-laws-rcna52853 |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=NBC News |date=November 2022 |language=en}} VoteRiders was also cited as a voter ID resource for trans voters in an October 2022 article in The 19th and a trans voter guide published in November 2022 by Them.{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Barbara |date=2022-10-14 |title=Voter ID laws stand between transgender people, women and the ballot box |url=https://19thnews.org/2022/10/voter-id-laws-transgender-people-women/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=The 19th |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-02 |title=How to Vote While Trans: A Guide to Voter ID Laws, Trans Voting Rights, and More |url=https://www.them.us/story/how-to-vote-while-trans-voter-id-laws-election-hotlines-legal-rights |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Them |language=en-US}}

The Robert Hubbell Newsletter highlighted that members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups were less likely to have a current driver's license or other government-issued photo ID.{{Cite web |last=Hubbell |first=Robert B. |title=A brief reprieve. |url=https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/a-brief-reprieve |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=roberthubbell.substack.com |date=20 April 2023 |language=en}} Women, because of name changes associated with marriage and divorce, up to 37,000,000 voting-age women have proof-of-citizenship documents that do not reflect their legal name.{{Cite web |last=Hubbell |first=Robert B. |title=Biden to announce next week! |url=https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/biden-to-announce-next-week |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=roberthubbell.substack.com |date=21 April 2023 |language=en}}

VoteRiders informs and helps voters as well as partners with other national organizations in addition to state and local organizations in 36 states — Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin as well as in District of Columbia.

Some of VoteRiders' on the ground efforts include:

VoteRiders founder Kathleen Unger was quoted in an October 30, 2018, article in the Montgomery Advertiser on Alabama's photo ID law: "At this point, we see 25 million eligible voters nationally who do not have a current government issued photo ID, which is the primary type of ID that states require. We've discovered over time that many millions more eligible voters are so confused and intimidated by voter ID laws, which are complicated and onerous, that they won't vote, even though they have valid ID."{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Melissa |title=Alabama photo voter ID law part of increasing trend in U.S. |url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/solutions-journalism/2018/10/30/alabama-photo-voter-id-law-one-more-than-dozen-united-states/1652341002/ |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Montgomery Advertiser |date=October 30, 2018}}

The article noted VoteRiders' work with local groups in Alabama, including Faith in Action, to educate voters and help them secure ID, quoting Unger again: "It is understandable that people would feel overwhelmed by the legalities of voter ID laws. The key reason for our existence is to make it easy. ... Our goal is for people to be fully prepared and fully confident."

In the weeks preceding the December 2017 Roy Moore–Doug Jones special election to the U.S. Senate in Alabama, VoteRiders actively assisted voters in obtaining the IDs that made them eligible to cast a ballot.{{cite web|last=Levine|first=Sam|date=December 11, 2017 |title=There Are Huge Obstacles To Casting A Ballot In Alabama's Special Election|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/alabama-special-election-voter-id_us_5a2ee40ee4b04617543278f2?qzq|publisher=HuffPost|access-date=12 December 2017}}

VoteRiders' Arizona Voter ID Coalition coordinator, partnered with the Phoenix Indian Center to assist voters in making sure they had the proper ID needed to cast a ballot.{{Cite web |last=Becenti |first=Arlyssa D. |title='Power of the Native vote' drives a campaign to register Indigenous voters in Phoenix area |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/09/21/indigenous-registration-drive-targets-voters-metro-phoenix/8067555001/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}

A 2022 article in the Arizona Mirror described the unique difficulties people in the state's disabled community face when trying to comply with the state's strict voter ID law. The article notes that VoteRiders partners with organizations that serve people living with disabilities and steps in when needed to help eligible voters obtain documentation so they can secure the proper ID and make their voices heard during elections.{{Cite news |last=MacDonald-Evoy |first=Jerod |date=2022-08-15 |title=Arizona's disabled community faces unique challenges on their way to the ballot box |url=https://www.azmirror.com/2022/08/15/arizonas-disabled-community-faces-unique-challenges-on-their-way-to-the-ballot-box/ |access-date=2024-01-20 |newspaper=Arizona Mirror |language=en-US}}

After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, the island experienced the largest out-migration in its history, and Florida was the top destination to resettle in the aftermath of the storm. In June 2018, VoteRiders began a campaign to assist resettled citizens who wished to cast a ballot in Florida, educating potential voters on what documents are required and helping them secure identification.{{cite news |last1=Sparling |first1=Nina |title=Post-Maria, Many Puerto Ricans Struggle to Access Adequate ID to Vote |url=https://whowhatwhy.org/2018/10/10/post-maria-many-puerto-ricans-struggle-to-access-adequate-id-to-vote/ |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=WhoWhatWhy |date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Sesin |first1=Carmen |title='I'm staying': Months after Maria, Puerto Ricans settle in Florida |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/i-m-staying-months-after-maria-puerto-ricans-settle-florida-n851826 |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=NBC News |date=March 14, 2018}} In September, 2021, the League of Women Voters of Florida partnered with VoteRiders to ensure that Florida voters can acquire the documents needed to comply with new requirements introduced by Florida's Senate Bill 90 which was passed in May, 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-27|title=League Of Women Voters Of Florida Challenges New Voting Law|url=https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/local-state/2021-09-27/league-of-women-voters-of-florida-challenges-new-voting-law|access-date=2021-10-02|website=WUSF Public Media|language=en}} In March 2022, First Coast News reported on a Jacksonville woman who got a ride and advice on how to get valid ID. This not only helps her register to vote, but in her case it helped her receive life-saving medical treatment.{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2022 |title=Jacksonville woman receives valid ID, can now receive life saving medical treatment |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/woman-gets-help-with-id-issue-for-medical-treatment/77-9738c55f-515d-47c5-8029-81c97d76fdfe |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=firstcoastnews.com |language=en-US}}

{{See also|New Georgia Project}}

Georgia's "exact match" law resulted in widespread confusion about voter ID requirements and eligibility in the 2018 election. VoteRiders developed targeted digital and radio public service announcements to provide comprehensive and timely information. The public service announcements were widely shared on Facebook, including by celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, who has 18 million followers on the social media platform. On January 2, 2021, and prior to Georgia's runoff elections, America Ferrera and Eva Longoria joined VoteRiders in a "textbanking" event to educate and assist Latina voters regarding the state's voter ID laws.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-19|title=Eva Longoria, America Ferrera To Textbank for Latina Georgia Voters Ahead of Runoffs|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/eva-longoria-america-ferrera-to-textbank-for-latina-georgia-voters-ahead-of-runoffs|access-date=2021-04-05|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en}} Ryan Seacrest referenced VoteRiders on Twitter, reminding Georgia voters about the election and voter ID requirements.{{cite news |last1=Enamorado |first1=Ted |title=Georgia's 'exact match' law could potentially harm many eligible voters. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/10/20/georgias-exact-match-law-could-disenfranchise-3031802-eligible-voters-my-research-finds/?noredirect=on |access-date=30 August 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 20, 2018}}{{cite web |title=Georgia: Don't let ANYTHING stop you from voting! |url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=178682129728658 |website=Facebook |access-date=30 August 2019}} An interview with Kathleen Unger in the January 6, 2021 issue of Ms. focuses in detail on the far-reaching role of VoteRiders in the January 2021 senate run-off elections in Georgia

Georgia enacted changes to the state's voting laws in March 2021, including new voter ID requirements.{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Stephen |date=March 27, 2021 |title=What Does Georgia's New Voting Law SB 202 Do? |work=Georgia Public Broadcasting |url=https://www.gpb.org/news/2021/03/27/what-does-georgias-new-voting-law-sb-202-do |access-date=September 4, 2023}} With high turnout projected for the 2022 midterm elections and many registered voters unaware of the new rules, VoteRiders invested significant resources in Georgia to reach out to more than 150,000 voters who did not have a valid ID filed with the secretary of state.{{Cite news |last1=Merica |first1=Dan |last2=McKend |first2=Eva |date=November 18, 2022 |title=Democrats and Republicans invest millions to turn out beleaguered Georgia voters ahead of key Senate runoff |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/18/politics/georgia-runoff-get-out-the-vote/index.html |access-date=September 4, 2023}}

Prior to the 2022 midterm elections, VoteRiders staff and volunteers in Georgia educated voters on the new requirements and provided assistance to voters who needed help obtaining IDs. The nonprofit also conducted student outreach at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia. Many HBCU students attend private institutions like Spelman College, and private college student IDs alone are not sufficient to establish voter eligibility under Georgia law. VoteRiders provided information about other acceptable IDs to bring to polling places.{{Cite news |last=Edelman |first=Adam |date=December 4, 2022 |title=HBCU students in Georgia face an extra obstacle in voting |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/hbcu-students-georgia-face-extra-obstacle-voting-rcna59442 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}

Some voters who had not voted in recent elections were also unclear on the new rules. One Georgia voter told TIME (Magazine) he did not know he needed an ID to vote until he received a postcard from VoteRiders. Since he was unemployed and lacked transportation, he faced a cost barrier to obtain an ID. VoteRiders stepped in to arrange transportation to the DMV and pay the fee so the voter could make his voice heard during the 2022 election.{{Cite magazine |last=Carlisle |first=Madeleine |date=2022-11-07 |title=Millions of Georgians Have Voted. It Hasn't Been Easy for Everyone |url=https://time.com/6229773/georgia-voters-barriers-midterms-2022/ |access-date=2023-09-04 |magazine=Time |language=en}}

{{See also|New North Carolina Project}}

In April 2022, voter ID requirements in North Carolina were in limbo, according to an article published by WCNC Charlotte.{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2022 |title=Here's how voter ID laws could impact North Carolina elections |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-election-voter-id-laws-potential-changes/275-961331ec-f975-48a8-a4bd-c0592cbb4d3a |website=WCNC Charlotte}} North Carolina courts had invalidated voter reform laws passed in 2018, but it was unclear in 2022 if new restrictions would be imposed for future elections, leading to confusion among voters in the state.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its founding in April 2022, VoteRiders undertook voter education and assistance actions in North Carolina. Operatives on the ground helped people in the state understand the rules and obtain the documents needed to secure state ID so they could vote in future elections if new rules were adopted that required voter ID at the polls.

In April 2023, the Supreme Court of North Carolina reversed an earlier court ruling and reinstated photo ID requirements for voters, a decision that critics fear will have a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged communities.{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2023 |title=NC Supreme Court ruling on Voter ID, Partisan gerrymandering, felons voting draws ire, celebration |url=https://abc11.com/politics-nc-supreme-court-voter-id-gerrymandering/13193039/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=ABC11 News}} Starting with municipal primary and general elections in 2023, North Carolina voters are required to present a photo ID to vote in person. Those casting an absentee ballot by mail must provide a photocopy of an acceptable form of ID. Voters without photo ID must use a provision ballot.{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Photo ID required of NC voters in election 2023: Everything you need to know before you vote |url=https://abc11.com/next-election-voter-guide-photo-id-what-do-i-need-for/13485982/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=ABC11 News}}

VoteRiders has been a resource in the state for eligible voters who need assistance obtaining ID. The organization has assisted with gathering and paying for necessary documents and has arranged free transportation to the DMV.{{Cite web |last=Bonner |first=Lynn |date=July 25, 2023 |title=NC lurches toward elections with voter photo ID |url=https://ncnewsline.com/2023/07/25/nc-lurches-toward-elections-with-voter-photo-id/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=NC Newsline}}

For the first time since spring 2016, North Carolina voters need photo identification when they cast ballots in municipal elections this year. People who vote by mail will be asked to send a photocopy of their ID with their ballots. According to Pamela Pearson, the North Carolina coordinator for VoteRiders, Getting an ID can be tough if one cannot take time off to get to the DMV, do not have a way to get there, or cannot afford the fee to get a copy of a birth certificate, said Pearson. VoteRiders can help assemble the needed paperwork, cover costs for documents, and pay for Uber rides to the DMV, Pearson said. Rural elections offices do not have as many workers as offices in urban counties, and it takes longer for rural residents to get to DMV offices, creating a stark rural-urban divide when it comes to preparing for and implementing voter ID, according to Jean-Patrick Grillet, of Democracy NC."It's a really bleak situation for rural voters, especially rural voters who are not drivers," Grillet said.{{Cite web |last=Bonner |first=Lynn |date=2023-07-25 |title=NC lurches toward elections with voter photo ID |url=https://ncnewsline.com/2023/07/25/nc-lurches-toward-elections-with-voter-photo-id/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=NC Newsline |language=en-US}}

Former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman, David Pepper whiteboards a crisis initiated by Ohio voter ID restrictions impacting 938,000 potential voters, disproportionately impacting young and minority populations. Proclaiming an attack on democracy, Pepper suggests partnering with VoteRiders to help affected Ohio citizens obtain the required voting identification.{{Citation |title=Ohio's New Discriminatory Voter ID Law: What You Can Do |url=https://resolutesquare.com/videos/5uMZnG70jiBnBNBENgAHUf/ohios-new-discriminatory-voter-id-law-what-you-can-do |access-date=2023-04-30 |language=en}}

Not only was Ohio's law more restrictive, it had not been widely publicized. "At this point, I'm not sure everyone understands that a lot has changed," according to Christine Corba, director of the Dayton League of Women Voters.{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Nick |date=2023-01-17 |title=VoteRiders gearing up to offer voter ID assistance in Ohio |url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/01/17/vote-riders-gearing-up-to-offer-voter-id-assistance-in-ohio/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=Ohio Capital Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Dawes |first=Sydney |title=No photo ID? You can still vote absentee in upcoming Ohio elections |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/elections/no-photo-id-you-can-still-vote-absentee-in-upcoming-ohio-elections/N3HS4N6YTVDAXENEVQWAXSRGUI/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=dayton-daily-news |language=English}}

In March, Nazek Hapasha from the League of Women Voters criticized state lawmakers for approving strict new photo voter ID requirements without providing funding for boards to help educate voters. Because of the prohibitions passed in 2021 county boards cannot coordinate their efforts with outside groups like the League or VoteRiders.{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Nick |date=2023-08-22 |title=At state lawmakers' summit, experts discuss election policies that implicate Ohio |url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/08/22/at-state-lawmakers-summit-experts-discuss-election-policies-that-implicate-ohio/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |newspaper=Ohio Capital Journal |language=en-US}}

Although the Ohio BMV issued free state ID cards to those eligible, applicants need specific documents to prove their identity. They could no longer use photocopies of a photo ID; other unacceptable proof includes military ID, utility bills, bank statements, government checks, or paychecks.

VoteRiders organized ID clinics across Ohio to communicate the new requirements and help people gather needed paperwork. VoteRiders also covered costs for ordering replacements for lost documents, and arrange transportation for those who need to order ID cards, according to Nick Ramos, interim voter ID coalition coordinator. VoteRiders helped voters request and send off an absentee ballot. Ohioans could call or text VoteRiders helpline.{{Cite web |last=Dawes |first=Sydney |title=Ohio BMV locations to begin issuing free state ID cards today as new voting law starts |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-bmv-locations-to-begin-issuing-free-state-id-cards-today-as-new-voting-law-starts/TCGPR5W5ZZAAXCEVU2ZN35IKUI/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=dayton-daily-news |language=English}}

In September 2023, a Dayton Daily News investigation found that more votes were rejected in Ohio counties in the wake of the passage of the new voter ID law.{{Cite web |last1=Kreemer |first1=Avery |last2=Sweigart |first2=Josh |date=September 5, 2023 |title=More ballots tossed in area counties in wake of new voter ID law |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/more-ballots-tossed-in-area-counties-in-wake-of-new-voter-id-law/ACMIW5MRMNAK5HPGOIZV6YPMAY/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Dayton Daily News |language=English}} The following month, the newspaper published a feature story on VoteRiders' efforts to assist Miami Valley Ohioans with obtaining the documentation needed to get an ID and arranging free transportation to state agencies where IDs are issued. In the article, the Ohio coalition coordinator for VoteRiders noted that the new ID law disproportionately affects "Black and Hispanic voters, young Ohioans and college students."{{Cite web |last=Dawes |first=Sydney |date=October 19, 2023 |title=VoteRiders group helping Miami Valley voters with ID requirements, transportation |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/voteriders-group-helping-miami-valley-voters-with-id-requirements-transportation/2DR544ELHJDFZOT27C54FQWBEY/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Dayton Daily News |language=English}}

As Ohio voters weighed in on ballot initiatives to protect access to reproductive healthcare services and legalize marijuana, the League of Women Voters reported that many college students in Ohio said they did not receive mail-in-ballots.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-07 |title=Ohio students say they never received mail-in ballot ahead of election |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/ohio-students-say-never-received-mail-in-ballot |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Washington Examiner |language=en}} A League spokeswoman noted that stringent new voter ID requirements made casting a ballot "a hassle" for students, many of whom lack the state ID now required. The VoteRiders coalition coordinator in the state amplified that concern, noting that many out-of-state students may have been left without a way to provide the required ID.

{{See also|New Pennsylvania Project}}

As noted in CBS News coverage{{Cite web |last=Monroe |first=Howard |date=2022-09-20 |title=Committee of Seventy teams up with Phanatic, Gritty to encourage residents to register to vote - CBS Philadelphia |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/national-voter-registration-day-philadelphia-events/ |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} of 2022 National Voter Registration Day activities in Philadelphia, VoterRiders worked with the local NAACP chapter to hold weekly voter ID clinics to encourage registration. During the clinics, VoteRiders representatives were on hand to help eligible voters who lacked ID secure the documentation they would need to register.

In response to a 2012 Justice Department report that some 1.4 million Texans would be affected by the Texas Voter ID Law,{{cite web|last=Pimentel|first=O. Ricardo|title=VoteRiders helping right a wrong|work=mySA |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/opinion_columnists/o_ricardo_pimentel/article/VoteRiders-helping-right-a-wrong-5481606.php|publisher=San Antonio Express-News|date=16 May 2014|access-date=12 June 2014}} VoteRiders hosted its first Voter ID Clinic in Houston on September 21, 2013,{{cite web|last=Florsheim|first=Lane|title=VoteRiders President Kathleen Unger, Who Aims to Help Disenfranchised Voters in States with Stringent Voter ID Laws|date=16 September 2013 |url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/4676-voteriders-president-kathleen-unger-who-aims-to-help-disenfranchised-voters-in-states-with-stringent-voter-id|publisher=Bustle|access-date=20 July 2014}} and in May 2014, the organization hired a coordinator to work with local groups on voter ID initiatives.{{cite news|last=Gawronsky|first=Nathan|title=Voter ID laws to prevent fraud|url=http://www.thecorsaironline.com/opinion/2012/10/02/voter-id-laws-to-prevent-fraud/|access-date=11 February 2013|newspaper=The Corsair, Santa Monica College|date=2 October 2012|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927030828/http://www.thecorsaironline.com/opinion/2012/10/02/voter-id-laws-to-prevent-fraud/}} VoteRiders also reached out to elected officials on the federal, state and local levels in Harris County and contacted precinct chairs for both the Republican and Democratic parties. Tables with information on the new law were set up at church services and other public gatherings.

Partner organizations hosted presentations to explain the new law to the public. Volunteers were trained for voter outreach. It was a first step toward VoteRiders' ultimate goal: a nationwide network of partner organizations and volunteers dedicated to helping eligible citizens get the documents they need to vote.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/politics/need-an-id-to-vote-voteriders-can-help/article/422749|title=Need an ID to vote? VoteRiders can help|last=Fetty |first=Kelly |date=2015-01-14 |publisher= Digital Journal|access-date=2015-01-19}}

VoteRiders' partner Mi Familia Vota Texas distributed wallet-sized VoteRiders' Texas Voter ID Information Cards as part of their canvassing effort in six majority Latino precincts in Houston for the November 2016 election. While overall Houston/Harris County voter turnout decreased by 1% (compared with the 2012 presidential election), turnout in these six precincts increased cumulatively by 92% and by an average of almost 9%; and in 2018, turnout in the 13 precincts where Mi Familia Vota Texas distributed VoteRiders' Voter ID Information Cards increased by an average of 435% (compared to 2014).{{Cite news |last=Morrison |first=Patt |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Column: Disenfranchised because of voter ID bureaucracy? VoteRiders and Kathleen Unger can help |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-ol-patt-morrison-unger-vote-riders-20171206-htmlstory.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Ted |date=August 30, 2018 |title=Registering to Vote and Accessibility Barriers |url=https://disabilityorganizing.net/training-events/docs/REV_UP_RegisteringToVote_Aug30_2018.docx |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=Google Docs - pointing to a .docx file that is a transcript of the REV UP! Registering to Vote and Accessibility Barriers talk.}}

VoteRiders has a direct mailing outreach campaign in Texas to provide information for obtaining state-issued IDs. VoteRiders has identified seniors who no longer drive, students, and people of color as populations impacted by new voter ID requirements. They are also contacting 25,000 Texas voters whose ballots were rejected in the March 2022 primary. Texas is one of seven key states that have enacted stricter voter ID rules since the 2020 elections.{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Asher |date=2022-07-26 |title=Aiming to get Texas voters to polls, nonprofit contacts Austinites |url=https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/07/26/aiming-to-get-texas-voters-to-polls-nonprofit-contacts-austinites |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Axios |language=en}}

Virginia's 2023 election will determine control of the House of Delegates and Senate, with every seat in the General Assembly on the line. There is heightened interest in the election because parties have narrow majorities in the chambers and analysts believe the race may have implications for the 2024 elections.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Madeline |date=October 27, 2023 |orig-date=October 13, 2023 |title=Virginia's 2023 elections are coming up. Here's a look at races, candidates, voter registration info and more. |url=https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/politics/elections/virginia-2023-election-what-to-know-about-candidates-on-your-ballot-before-voting-november-7/291-a3e1e1c5-8f05-4d7a-88a9-84f8a2d10356 |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=13newsnow.com |language=en-US}} VoteRiders CEO Lauren Kunis told a Virginia reporter that "the stakes are too high to sit any election out" and described how VoteRiders can help Virginia voters who are looking for information on voting rights and assistance with obtaining an ID.{{Cite web |last=Barnabi |first=Rebecca |date=2023-10-17 |title='Stakes are too high to sit any election out': VoteRiders works to remove barriers to voting |url=https://augustafreepress.com/news/stakes-are-too-high-to-sit-any-election-out-voteriders-works-to-remove-barriers-to-voting/ |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=Augusta Free Press |language=en-US}}

{{See also|League of Women Voters of Wisconsin}}

VoteRiders has participated in on-the-ground voter ID requirement awareness and outreach campaigns in Wisconsin since 2015, forming coalitions with local leaders and engaging in education efforts via regional media. An interview{{cite news |last1=Conklin |first1=Melanie |title=They Don't Want You to Vote! |url=https://shepherdexpress.com/news/features/they-dont-want-you-to-vote/#/questions/ |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Shepherd Express |date=August 28, 2018}} with Milwaukee's alternative weekly newspaper, Shepherd Express, highlighted VoteRiders' role as the source of wallet-sized Voter ID Information Cards and voter ID clinic resources. A VoteRiders statewide coordinator was featured in a video produced by NowThis Politics, which has more than 10 million Facebook followers.{{Cite web |title=On The Ground: Groups Fight Back Against Voter Suppression In Wisconsin {{!}} These groups are fighting back against the government's voter suppression efforts in Wisconsin {{!}} By NowThis Politics {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/NowThisPolitics/videos/on-the-ground-groups-fight-back-against-voter-suppression-in-wisconsin/271439243474068/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}} In 2016, VoteRiders went with voters to DMV's in Wisconsin to understand and advocate for changes in how long it would take to get a photo ID in order to vote without having your birth certificate. They found inconsistent processes across the state.{{Cite news |last=Berman |first=Ari |date=2016-09-29 |title=Wisconsin Is Systematically Failing to Provide the Photo IDs Required to Vote in November |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/wisconsin-is-systematically-failing-to-provide-the-photo-ids-required-to-vote-in-november/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |language=en-US |issn=0027-8378}}

VoteRiders was featured in a 2018 investigative piece about how Wisconsin voter ID laws posed challenges to the young, the elderly and people of color; the article stated that the organization's services include "arranging transportation to local Division of Motor Vehicle offices, free legal assistance in obtaining proper documentation, and covering the costs of documents required for registering to vote such as birth certificates and Social Security cards."{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Cameron |title=Wisconsin's Voter ID Law Has Created Confusion And Hurdles |url=https://www.wiscontext.org/wisconsins-voter-id-law-has-created-confusion-and-hurdles |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=WisContext |agency=Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television |date=October 1, 2018}}

It is estimated that approximately 600,000 (18%) of registered Wisconsin voters in 2016 were negatively impacted by the state's newly enforced voter ID law.{{cite web |title=United States District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin|url= http://pdfserver.amlaw.com/nlj/wisconsin-voterID-ruling.pdf|access-date= 17 May 2016}} This number includes more than 300,000 registered voters who did not have an acceptable voter photo ID{{cite news|last=Cassidy|first=Christina|title=New laws and rulings could cause Election Day confusion | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/new-laws-and-rulings-could-cause-election-day-confusion/2016/09/23/9cca86ec-814d-11e6-9578-558cc125c7ba_story.html|newspaper= The Washington Post|access-date=27 September 2016|date=23 September 2016}}{{cite news|title= Madison-area activists, officials announce concerted voter ID effort|first=Steven |last=Elbow |url=http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/madison-area-activists-officials-announce-concerted-voter-id-effort/article_d2b50987-5629-5e3e-a01f-35a98ff1ad39.html |publisher= The Cap Times |date= 3 March 2016|access-date= 17 May 2016}}{{cite news|title=Bernie Might Get Burned by Voter ID |first=Alec | last= Loftus |url=https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2016-04-04/bernie-sanders-might-get-burned-by-scott-walkers-wisconsin-voter-id-law?int=a2ab09 |publisher=U.S. News |date= 4 April 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016 }} and an additional 300,000 voters who were confused and intimidated by the state's voter ID law even though they did have the correct ID.{{cite news|title= Wisconsin voter ID law leaves state braced for primary day chaos |url= https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/05/wisconsin-primary-voter-id-law-leaves-state-braced-for-chaos?CMP=share_btn_tw |date= 5 April 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016}} This reality motivated VoteRiders to lead the nation's first ever "Voter ID Month," which took place in Wisconsin in March 2016.{{cite news|title=County residents encourage voter education outreach during Dane County Voter ID Month |first= Vidushi |last= Saxena |url=https://badgerherald.com/news/2016/03/02/county-residents-encourage-voter-education-outreach-during-dane-county-voter-id-month/ |publisher=The Badger Herald |date= 2 March 2016|access-date=17 May 2016 }}{{cite news|title=Officials help launch 'Voter ID Month' at State Capitol March 2 |url=http://www.hngnews.com/sun_prairie_star/news/article_0181d496-dfb4-11e5-b1b2-27a6dfae52f1.html |work= The Star |date= 1 March 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016}}

VoteRiders' efforts in Wisconsin were spearheaded by national and state coordinators,{{cite news| url=http://journaltimes.com/ap/state/former-miss-wisconsin-continues-fighting-for-voter-rights/article_4f9e4c36-6ceb-55aa-9968-8c7599af9039.html | title = Former Miss Wisconsin continues fighting for voter rights | first=Michelle | last=Stocker | date=16 October 2016 | publisher=The Journal Times | access-date=17 October 2016}}{{cite news| url=http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/09/29/dmv-gives-wrong-information-voter-id/91283462/| title=DMV gives wrong information on voter ID | last=Marley | first=Patrick | date=29 September 2016 | publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | access-date=30 September 2016}}{{cite news|title=Are voter ID laws the next hanging chads? |first=Andrew |last=Gumbel |url= http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-gumbel-voter-id-20160420-story.html |publisher= L.A. Times |date= 20 April 2016 |access-date=17 May 2016 }} including Anita Johnson, Wisconsin Statewide Coordinator,{{cite news|title=Wisconsin's Voter ID Law Caused Major Problems at the Polls Last Night|first=Ari |last=Berman |url= http://www.thenation.com/article/wisconsins-voter-id-law-caused-major-problems-at-the-polls-last-night/|publisher=The Nation |date=6 April 2016 |access-date=17 May 2016 }} who worked with the organization's partners, such as the Dane County Voter ID Coalition. Reporting directly to VoteRiders founder Kathleen Unger, these coordinators' efforts included training volunteers, including throughout Dane County, interacting with thousands of voters to make sure they had valid ID and, if not, helping them obtain documents to get voter ID, and arranging transportation to the DMV, oftentimes with a member of VoteRiders' team to assist.{{cite news| url=https://www.thenation.com/article/wisconsin-is-systematically-failing-to-provide-the-photo-ids-required-to-vote-in-november/| title=Wisconsin Is Systematically Failing to Provide the Photo IDs Required to Vote in November | last=Berman | first=Ari | date=29 September 2016 | publisher=The Nation | access-date=30 September 2016}}{{cite news|title= Republicans champion voter ID laws absent credible evidence of fraud|first= Amadou | last= Diallo |url= http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/10/republicans-champion-voter-id-laws-absent-credible-evidence-of-fraud.html |date= 10 February 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016 }}{{cite news|title=National Group Steps In To Help Madison Voters With ID Requirements |first= Shamane |last= Mills |url= http://www.wpr.org/national-group-steps-help-madison-voters-id-requirements |publisher= Wisconsin Public Radio |date= 2 March 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016 }}

Activities were focused especially on low-income and transient voters{{cite news|last=Bauer | first=Scott | title=Push on to get Wisconsin voters required photo IDs | url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/push-on-to-get-wisconsin-voters-required-photo-ids/article_10726b6d-63d8-5438-916c-b16cd8fa4873.html | newspaper= The Daily Progress | access-date=27 September 2016 | date=25 September 2016}} (including young professionals) by way of events and presentations with voters at churches, colleges, high schools, libraries,{{cite news|last=Cassidy | first=Christina | title=City partners with libraries to make voting easier | url=https://badgerherald.com/news/2016/09/22/city-partners-with-libraries-to-make-voting-easier/ | newspaper= The Badger Herald | access-date=27 September 2016 | date=22 September 2016}} homeless shelters, food pantries, job centers, education centers, apartment buildings and corporations, etc., in downtown Madison and throughout the county.{{cite news|title=New ID laws, long lines raise allegations of U.S. voting discrimination |first= Daniel |last= Dale |url= https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/04/03/new-id-laws-long-lines-raise-allegations-of-us-voting-discrimination.html|work= The Star |date= 3 April 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016 }} Examples include phone banks, the University of Wisconsin-Madison (with 14,000 out-of-state students), "Get It Free with Your Voter ID" pizza parties, and T-shirts with "Ask Me" (front) and "About Voter ID" (back).{{cite news|last=Bauer | first=Scott | title='ID lady' fights to get photo IDs for Wisconsin voters | url=http://wisconsingazette.com/2016/09/25/id-lady-fights-to-get-photo-ids-for-wisconsin-voters/ | newspaper= The Wisconsin Gazette | access-date=27 September 2016 | date=25 September 2016}}{{cite news|title= Wisconsin Voters Adjust to New ID Rules|first=Kane |last=Farabaugh |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/wisconsin-voters-adjust-new-identification-rules/3265178.html |publisher=Voice of America |date=1 April 2016 |access-date=17 May 2016 }}{{cite news|title='Desperate times for democracy' in Wisconsin |first= Zachary |last= Roth |url=http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/desperate-times-democracy-wisconsin |publisher=MSNBC |date= 4 April 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016 }}

On March 2, 2016, VoteRiders' team was responsible for organizing a press conference at the capitol{{cite news|title=Community leaders announce Voter ID Month in Madison |first= Katie |last= Scheidt |url= http://www.dailycardinal.com/article/2016/03/community-leaders-announce-voter-id-month-in-madison |publisher= The Daily Cardinal |date= 3 March 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016 }} that resulted in significant media attention, including coverage by all TV network affiliates.{{cite news|title= Live At The University Of Wisconsin: Primary Day |url= https://www.facebook.com/HuffPostPolitics/videos/10153883365182911/ |publisher= Huffington Post |date= 6 April 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016}} VoteRiders played a pivotal role in the Wisconsin legislature's and governor's decision to expand approved voter IDs to include a Veterans Affairs card. Based on the results of Voter ID Month, VoteRiders created toolkits for distribution to other communities in Wisconsin and across the country.{{cite news|title= For the Record: Voting, Madison musicians taking care of each other |first= Neil |last= Heinen |url= http://www.channel3000.com/news/opinion/For-the-Record-Voting-Madison-musicians-taking-care-of-each-other/38655868 |publisher=Channel 3000, WISC-TV, CBS Affiliate |date=23 March 2016 |access-date= 17 May 2016 }}

In 2020, VoteRiders became involved with Wisconsin and other states, working to measure and address the impact of COVID-19 on voter turnout for the 2020 US presidential election.{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 Will Suppress the Vote in November|url=https://intpolicydigest.org/2020/05/09/covid-19-will-suppress-the-vote-in-november/|date=2020-05-10|website=International Policy Digest|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-25|archive-date=2020-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523183320/https://intpolicydigest.org/2020/05/09/covid-19-will-suppress-the-vote-in-november/}} Anita Johnson, Wisconsin Voter ID Coalition Coordinator at VoteRiders, was quoted in a Los Angeles Times report on the hurdles Black voters face: "It's sad that we should have to jump through hoops just to go exercise our right to vote."{{cite web |last1=Finnegan |first1=Michael |title=COVID-stricken pastor could barely breathe. He kept fighting for the right of Black people to vote |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-09-10/black-voters-wisconsin-pandemic-disenfranchisement-pastor |work=Los Angeles Times |date=10 September 2020 |access-date=13 September 2020}}

For the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, VoteRiders co-hosted the "Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Spring Forum" on March 28, 2023, in collaboration with All Voting is Local and the Campus Vote Project.{{Cite web |last=Khan-Williamson |first=Sarah |date=2023-03-27 |title=Voting Advocacy Groups to Host Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidates for Spring Candidate Forum |url=https://allvotingislocal.org/media/voting-advocacy-groups-to-host-wisconsin-supreme-court-candidates-for-spring-candidate-forum/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=All Voting is Local |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Shur |first=Alexander |date=2023-03-07 |title=Wisconsin Supreme Court debate set for late March after Janet Protasiewicz declines several others |url=https://madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/wisconsin-supreme-court-debate-set-for-late-march-after-janet-protasiewicz-declines-several-others/article_4cfe3ef1-1ddb-5e8a-83f3-2f080fdf79d0.html |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en}}

A 2024 Time Magazine article reported that VoteRiders had collaborated with approximately 2,000 partner organizations.{{Cite magazine |last=Popli |first=Nik |date=2024-09-19 |title=Lauren Kunis: Democracy Defenders |url=https://time.com/7017491/lauren-kunis-democracy-defenders/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}{{unreliable source?|reason=Guest column written by the Director of VoteRiders is not a reliable source for facts about the organization, per Wikipedia:Reliable sources#Primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.|date=September 2024}}

In 2023, the Rockefeller Foundation published an article about VoteRiders "Building a Resilient Democracy, One Identity Card at a Time." They quote Reverend Dr. Monica Spencer: "It is extremely important to keep working in years when the ballot boxes aren't open," she said. "If we don't plant the seeds, we won't get a crop."

• VoteRiders partnered with Facebook to integrate state-by-state guidance on voter ID laws into Facebook's Voting Information Center. This allows users nationwide to access ID requirements as they create their voting plans.{{Cite web |title=What can I find in the Voting Information Center on Facebook? |url=https://www.facebook.com/help/adsmanagerbuiltin/894990254355703 |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=www.facebook.com}}{{Cite web |last=Bronte |first=Kass |date=March 10, 2021 |title=Stanford-MIT Healthy Elections Project – Civic Engagement and Internet Platforms |url=https://web.mit.edu/healthyelections/www/sites/default/files/2021-06/Civic_Engagement_and_Internet_Platforms.pdf |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=Stanford-MIT Healthy Elections Project}}
• VoteRiders partnered with Lyft and Uber in several states to provide people discounted rideshare transportation to driver's license facilities to apply for state IDs regardless of party affiliation.{{Cite web |title=Got Voter ID? |url=https://www.wintergardenvox.com/politics-1/got-voter-id%3F |website=VoxPopuli}}{{Cite web |date=17 January 2023 |title=VoteRiders gearing up to offer voter ID assistance in Ohio |url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/01/17/vote-riders-gearing-up-to-offer-voter-id-assistance-in-ohio/ |website=Ohio Capital Journal}}
• In June 2020, Magnolia Pictures and Participant media company announced the release of a documentary: John Lewis: Good Trouble. The film celebrates the legacy of Georgia congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis. To coincide with the documentary's release, Participant announced a Good Trouble impact campaign to provide support for disenfranchised communities and raise awareness of voting rights. VoteRiders partnered with other organizations to support the campaign and organized a virtual screening in August 2020.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-31 |title=Virtual Screening and Conversation: 'John Lewis: Good Trouble' |url=https://thefulcrum.us/virtual-screening-and-conversation-john-lewis-good-trouble |access-date=2020-09-29 |website=The Fulcrum |language=en}} In a comment for a BET.com article on the film and campaign, VoteRiders COO Shannon Anderson said, "VoteRiders' mission is inspired by John Lewis' lifelong commitment to our democracy and our fundamental right to vote."{{Cite news |date=June 19, 2020 |title=Congressman John Lewis' Legacy Celebrated With 'Good Trouble' Campaign To Inspire Social Change |url=https://www.bet.com/article/t0rcff/good-trouble-campaign-celebrates-rep-john-lewis-legacy |access-date=2020-06-29 |newspaper=BET}}
• In 2022, VoteRiders partnered with Snapchat to provide Snapchat users with new voter registration and awareness tools.{{Cite web |title=Snapchat Provides New Voter Registration and Awareness Tools Ahead of US Midterms |url=https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/snapchat-provides-new-voter-registration-and-awareness-tools-ahead-of-us-mi/631491/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Social Media Today |language=en-US}}

Leaders, television personalities, entertainers, actors, athletes, writers, and influencers have supported and promoted VoteRiders efforts, including Elizabeth Banks,{{Cite web |last=Rabinowitz |first=Chloe |date=25 September 2020 |title=Rory O'Malley, Amy Schumer, Elizabeth Banks and More Participate in VoteRiders #IDCheck Challenge |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Rory-OMalley-Amy-Schumer-Elizabeth-Banks-and-More-Participate-in-VoteRiders-IDCheck-Challenge-20200929 |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}} Jack Black,{{Cite web |title=Celebrities Are Rallying Volunteers to Help Voters Overcome ID Barriers: 'It's Not as Easy as It Should Be' |url=https://people.com/politics/voteriders-celebrity-campaigns-overcome-voter-id-barriers-midterm-election/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}} Jordana Brewster,{{Cite web |last=White |first=Abbey |date=2022-11-08 |title=How Shonda Rhimes, Ariana Grande, Paul Rudd and More Encouraged Americans to Vote in the 2022 Elections |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/will-ferrell-paul-rudd-celebs-vote-2022-elections-1235257846/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Krystal Joy Brown,{{Cite web |last=Strause |first=Jackie |date=2020-10-07 |title=Broadway Stars to Host Virtual Party to Educate At-Risk Voters |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/broadway-stars-to-host-virtual-party-to-educate-at-risk-voters-4073046/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Yvette Nicole Brown, Gavin Creel, Miley Cyrus,{{Cite web |date=2021-08-13 |title=Miley Cyrus: Happy Hippie |url=https://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2021/08/15/youth-observer/milley-cyrus-happy-hippie |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Sunday Observer |language=en}} Leonardo DiCaprio, America Ferrera,{{Cite web |last=Chuba |first=Kirsten |date=2020-12-19 |title=Eva Longoria, America Ferrera To Textbank for Latina Georgia Voters Ahead of Runoffs |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/eva-longoria-america-ferrera-to-textbank-for-latina-georgia-voters-ahead-of-runoffs-4107749/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Josh Gad,{{Cite web |last=Strause |first=Jackie |date=2020-10-07 |title=Broadway Stars to Host Virtual Party to Educate At-Risk Voters |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/broadway-stars-to-host-virtual-party-to-educate-at-risk-voters-4073046/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Amber Heard, Ed Helms, David Hull, Nikki M. James, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Nick Kroll, Katrina Lenk, Eva Longoria, Meghan Markle (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex),{{Cite web |title=Meghan Markle Urges Americans to Vote on Election Day, Breaking Royal Precedent |url=https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-urges-americans-vote-election-day-new-photo/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}} Audra McDonald, Monica,{{Cite web |last=Nation |first=Civic |date=2020-12-31 |title=SUNDAY: Monica, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Jack Harlow, Keri Hilson, Pastor Troy and More to Perform at "Celebrate Georgia!" GOTV Drive-In Concert |url=https://whenweallvote.org/press/press-release/sunday-monica-rick-ross-jeezy-jack-harlow-keri-hilson-pastor-troy-and-more-to-perform-at-celebrate-georgia-gotv-drive-in-concert/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=When We All Vote |language=en-US}} Michelle Obama, Rory O'Malley, Piper Perabo, Michael Potts, Andrew Rannells, Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Barbra Streisand, Will Swenson, Gabrielle Union,{{Cite web |last=Karki |first=Prajita |date=2022-04-27 |title=Dwyane Wade's Wife - Gabrielle Union: Bio & Ex-Husband [2023 Update] |url=https://playersbio.com/dwyane-wade-wife/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=Players Bio |language=en-US}} Joyce Vance,{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Joyce |date=15 October 2022 |title=It's Fall And The Midterms Are Upon Us |url=https://joycevance.substack.com/p/its-fall-and-the-midterms-are-upon |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=joycevance.substack.com |language=en}} Kerry Washington, Trisha Yearwood,{{Cite web |last=Houghton |first=Cillea |date=2022-12-06 |title=Trisha Yearwood Encourages Voting in Georgia Runoff Election: "Your Vote Matters" |url=https://americansongwriter.com/trisha-yearwood-encourages-voting-georgia-runoff-election/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}} the cast of Hamilton (Ham4Progress),{{Cite web |last=Wild |first=Stephi |title=VIDEO: HAMILTON Encourages People to Vote in 'The Election of 2022' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/VIDEO-HAMILTON-Encourages-People-to-Vote-in-The-Election-of-2022-20220920 |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}} and the PoliticsGirl Podcast.{{Cite web |last=PoliticsGirl |date=November 2, 2023 |title=What a Cool Organization |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5an-UdZHX9g |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=Youtube}}

• In September 2020, VoteRiders partnered with numerous celebrities including Zoe Saldana, Amy Schumer, Elizabeth Banks, Rory O'Malley, and Amber Heard for the #IDCheck challenge to help spread the word to voters about what would be required of them to vote in the upcoming election.{{Cite web |last=Rabinowitz |first=Chloe |date=25 September 2020 |title=Rory O'Malley, Amy Schumer, Elizabeth Banks and More Participate in VoteRiders #IDCheck Challenge |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Rory-OMalley-Amy-Schumer-Elizabeth-Banks-and-More-Participate-in-VoteRiders-IDCheck-Challenge-20200929 |access-date=2021-09-04 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}
• Shortly before Election Day 2020, media outlet Complex published a voter ID guide for each state that highlighted social media outreach from Democracy Docket and actor/comedian Amy Schumer urging voters who need help with ID to contact VoteRiders.{{cite web |last1=Logan |first1=Manseen |title=The ID You Can Use to Vote in Each State |url=https://www.complex.com/life/2020/10/voter-id-laws-by-state-explainer/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |website=Complex}}

VoteRiders has been profiled in local{{cite news |last=Magruder |first=Melonie |date=26 September 2012 |title=Taking Aim at ID Laws |url=http://www.malibutimes.com/news/article_f8125386-99bc-5b71-bc33-84c3aa21078c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530220745/http://www.malibutimes.com/news/article_f8125386-99bc-5b71-bc33-84c3aa21078c.html |archive-date=30 May 2021 |access-date=12 February 2013 |newspaper=The Malibu Times}} and alternative{{cite web |date=29 July 2012 |title=VoteRiders Campaign |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X_Skl45rvew |access-date=12 February 2013 |publisher=The Real News}} media in connection with voter ID issues.

Its work on advocacy and legal aid has been described by Professor Carol Anderson, author of One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy, as one that "makes the difference in whether thousands of people get to vote or are disenfranchised."{{cite book|last1=Anderson|first1=Carol|url=https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/one-person-no-vote-9781635571387/|title=One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy|date=2018|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-63557-138-7|location=New York, NY|page=140}} Professor Anderson was interviewed on "The Daily Show" on October 1, 2018, and on KQED's Forum on October 23, 2018,{{cite news |last1=Krasny |first1=Michael |date=23 October 2018 |title=Carol Anderson on Voter Suppression, Past and Present |url=https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101867876/carol-anderson-on-voter-suppression-past-and-present |access-date=3 September 2019}} where she discussed modern-day voter suppression and mentioned VoteRiders as a resource for people who need voter ID.

Joshua Douglas has called VoteRiders "one of the most important democracy groups you've probably never heard of."{{cite book |last1=Douglas |first1=Joshua |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=89GMDwAAQBAJ&q=ote+for+US:+How+to+Take+Back+Our+Elections+and+Change+the+Future+of+Voting |title=Vote for US: How to Take Back Our Elections and Change the Future of Voting |date=2019 |publisher=Prometheus Books |isbn=978-1-63388-510-3 |location=Atlanta, Georgia |page=102}}

Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. quoted Professor Carol Anderson in a November 8, 2019 column on voter suppression:{{Cite news |last=Pitts |first=Leonard |date=November 8, 2019 |title=Republicans don't want you to vote, unless you vote for them. Here's how to stop them |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/leonard-pitts-jr/article237159024.html |access-date=November 10, 2019 |work=Miami Herald}} "Support civil-society organizations that are doing so much to help folks get registered to vote and get out the vote. I mean folks like Indivisible (indivisible.org), the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (naacpldf.org), the ACLU (aclu.org), VoteRiders (voteriders.org). Those are the folks doing some heavy lifting fighting for this democracy..."

The New York Times referenced VoteRiders as a source of information on voter ID requirements in a November 6, 2018 article about questions voters may have about voting in the midterm elections.{{cite news |last1=Jacobs |first1=Julia |date=6 November 2018 |title=Where Is My Polling Place? Answers to Common Election Day Questions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/06/us/politics/voting-questions.html |access-date=3 September 2019 |work=The New York Times}}

VoteRiders received the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency (formerly GuideStar) in 2021,{{Cite web |title=VoteRiders - GuideStar Profile |url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/45-5081831 |access-date=2021-09-29 |website=www.guidestar.org}} its highest level of transparency.{{Cite web |title=How to Earn Your 2021 Seal of Transparency |url=http://help.guidestar.org/en/articles/2743836-how-to-earn-your-2021-seal-of-transparency |access-date=2021-10-22 |website=help.guidestar.org |language=en}}

• HeadCount
• Vote.org
• VOTE411.org

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Category:Organizations established in 2012

Category:Non-profit organizations based in California

Category:Election and voting-related organizations based in the United States

Category:2012 establishments in California

Category:Voter turnout organizations

Category:Voter registration