Seiyanna had a voter ID problem. 

The first-time voter wanted to register, but a new law in her home state of Nebraska required her to use her driver’s license to vote – but it was expired and she could not afford to renew it. 

But one afternoon, Seiyanna stumbled across VoteRiders’ Nebraska Voter ID Information Cards at a Juneteenth Celebration in Omaha. After learning of the various forms of IDs that can be used to vote in Nebraska, Seiyanna discovered that VoteRiders could help her renew her driver’s license – for free. 

Seiyanna got help through a trained volunteer, who assisted with securing the renewal fee, helped renew her license online, and helped her fill out the voter registration form. 

“I thought it was very neat that there is a business out there that helps people get their documents for free and takes care of all the transportation and everything,” said Seiyanna, who shared her story through VoteRiders.org. “If I hadn’t had this opportunity to renew my ID then I might not registered to vote for the first time – so I thank VoteRiders for that.” 

Founded in 2012 in response to increasingly stringent voter ID laws, VoteRiders now has a full-time staff of 30 employees. It has provided trusted, clear voter ID information and directed help to millions of eligible voters. 

Voter ID laws increasingly are a problem in the U.S. Thirty-eight states have such laws in place for 2024, according to VoteRiders. And 17 states have put in place new or stricter laws since the 2020 elections, affecting in-person and mail voting. 

As part of CHN’s ongoing Vote for Human Needs campaign, CHN has formed a strategic partnership with VoteRiders, focusing on key target states where voter ID laws present significant barriers. Together, we work to connect VoteRiders with local service providers, enabling them to establish voter ID clinics specifically designed to support low-income and marginalized communities in obtaining or renewing their identification ahead of the election. 

VoteRiders generously covers all associated costs, guiding individuals through the often-complex process of securing proper identification, which is crucial in states with stringent voter ID requirements. In addition, CHN’s collaboration extends to educational webinars and outreach efforts. CHN works closely with VoteRiders’ state outreach coordinators to ensure that  community-based groups are fully informed about these vital services, empowering communities to exercise their right to vote. 

For young Americans like Seiyanna, voting can be particularly challenging – many, for example, lack a driver’s license. People less likely to have a current license include youth, particularly the youngest eligible voters (18-19 year-olds), Blacks, Latinos, Americans who do not have a high school diploma or college degree, and Americans with lower incomes, according to VoteRiders,. 

Specific examples: young Black Americans are least likely to have a driver’s license with their current name and/or address. And, 48 percent of Black Americans aged 18-29 do not have a driver’s license with their current name and/or address. 30 percent have no driver’s license, VoteRiders says.

According to VoteRiders, 19 percent of Americans without a driver’s license listed bureaucratic or economic factors as the reason for not having one. Identified barriers include the cost of getting a license, financial or other legal difficulties (like unpaid fines or reinstatement fees), lack of time, or lack of underlying documents. 

This election is crucial for organizations working to preserve policies that ensure individuals and families have the resources they need to live fulfilling and healthy lives. With the nation’s attention heightened during presidential election years, nonprofits and social service agencies have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the issues that matter most – and help address barriers to voting.  

For additional resources, see CHN’s Voter Engagement Resource Guide here.