Civic Engagement Guide for LGBTQ+ Communities
Produced by the
HRC Foundation
Your vote protects our rights, our communities, and our democracy. This guide will help you navigate the voting process, understand your rights, and access resources to support yourself and others.
This guide is a nonpartisan resource designed to provide general information about voting and civic engagement. It does not support or oppose any political candidate or party.
Why Civic Engagement Matters in 2026:
Midterm elections determine who holds power at the federal, state, and local levels. The 2026 elections will have significant implications for issues that affect our daily lives, including healthcare, economic opportunity, LGBTQ+ rights, and voting rights.
According to the HRC Foundation's LGBTQ+ Political and Civic Engagement (PACE) survey:
- 92% of LGBTQ+ adults say they are "definitely" planning to vote in 2026
- At the same time, many LGBTQ+ voters face concerns about participation:
- 87% are concerned about voter ID issues
- 80% are concerned about harassment or intimidation at polling places
What this means: LGBTQ+ people are highly motivated to vote and have the power to influence these elections, but many also face real concerns about participation.
When barriers prevent people from voting, our communities and democracy are weakened. The 2026 midterms are an opportunity to elect leaders who will be responsive to people's needs and support a fair, accountable, and functioning democracy.
Voting in the 2026 Midterms
Being registered—and knowing your registration is correct—is one of the most important steps.
- Many voters express concern about being challenged or harassed at the polls
- Ensuring your registration is accurate can help reduce that risk
→ Register or check status: https://actnow.io/icndGR7
✔ Double-check:
- Name spelling
- Current address
- Registration status
Most LGBTQ+ voters already intend to vote, and you probably do too—but planning is what helps ensure follow-through.
Be sure you know:
- When you’ll vote. Voting early or by mail can help ease concerns about going to the polls on Election Day.
- Where you’ll vote. If you're voting in person on Election Day, this is especially important.
- What ID (if any) you need. → Check ID rules: https://www.vote.org/voter-id-laws/
- Who will vote with you. Making a plan with a family member or friend will help both you and them follow through on voting and make going to the polls easier.
As part of your voting plan, you can decide how and where you want to vote.
If you want to vote in person, you can:
- Vote early or on Election Day,
- Request help or accessibility support,
- Ask for a paper ballot if needed.
If you plan to vote by mail, you can:
- Request your ballot early,
- Track it if available,
- Return it to the proper location before the deadline.
→ Deadlines: https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines/
Protecting Your Vote
Concerns about voting safely and confidently are felt by many, especially among trans voters and voters of color. Knowing the following information can help Election Day go smoothly and help you feel prepared in the case of issues
You have the right to:
- Vote if you are registered and eligible;
- Stay in line, even if the polls close;
- Ask for help from a person you trust or a poll worker if anything is unclear;
- Request a provisional ballot if there is an issue;
- Vote without harassment or intimidation.
If you encounter issues like being challenged, intimidated, or turned away, the most important thing is your safety. If you feel unsafe, move toward official poll workers or inside the polling place and/or call a voter protection hotline.
Trust your instincts. If you can:
- Stay calm and assert your right to vote
- Ask to speak with a poll supervisor
- Request a provisional ballot if needed
- Document what happened if possible
- Call the Election Protection Hotline for help:
- English: 866-OUR-VOTE
- Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA
Voting While Trans, Nonbinary, or Gender Nonconforming
For many trans and nonbinary voters, concerns about ID mismatches, gender markers, being misgendered, or being questioned are very real.
Primary Resource:
→ Voting While Trans (Advocates for Trans Equality / A4TE) Voters for Trans Equality
Key Tips:
- Your ability to vote depends on your registration—not your appearance
- If ID is required, bring the accepted form listed for your state
- You can bring someone to support you
- If challenged, request a provisional ballot
Support for Voters Experiencing Racial profiling or Immigration-related Concerns
PACE data shows concerns about: Being perceived as not a citizen, being questioned about eligibility, and being profiled based on race, ethnicity, or language
Key Protections:
- Poll workers cannot ask inappropriate or unrelated questions beyond voting requirements
- You have the right to vote without discrimination
- You are entitled to equal access at the polls
Resources:
- ACLU Voting Rights https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/voting-rights
- NAACP Civic Engagement https://naacp.org
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice https://advancingjustice-aajc.org
Practical Tips:
- Bring the documentation required by your state
- Ask for a supervisor if something feels wrong
- Document and report any issues
If English is not your preferred language:
- You may bring someone to assist you
- Some polling locations provide translated materials.
Resources:
- Spanish hotline: 888-VE-Y-VOTA
- https://vote.gov/es
- https://apiavote.org
The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission
to support the LGBTQ+ community.
- Topics:
- Voting
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