Three advocacy groups have released a tip sheet for South Dakota’s election workers that details best practices for interacting with gender non-conforming, non-binary and transgender voters.
The ACLU of South Dakota, Equality South Dakota and the Transformation Project distributed the tip sheet to all county auditors in the state to share with precinct workers and volunteers ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Adam Jorgensen is the LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit voting rights campaign organizer for the ACLU of South Dakota. He says as transgender residents make strides in advancing and protecting their civil rights and become more visible in our society, it’s important poll workers are given the information they need to serve all voters in a respectful way.
The one-page document includes definitions of transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary and provides guidance that can help precinct workers create a welcoming environment. Advice ranges from avoiding terms like ma’am or sir to expecting someone’s outward appearance may differ from what a precinct worker thinks when reading a name on the voting list.
Equality South Dakota president Michael Hanson says voting is a key component of civic engagement. He says it’s how voices are heard around key issues so poll workers need to be educated and trained so transgender persons are not disenfranchised because of barriers at polling places.
“Every registered voter in South Dakota has the hard-earned ability to make their voices heard on a variety of issues that matter most to them – nothing should stop that,” said Susan Williams, Transformation Project executive director. “I think it’s important that all poll workers be clear that trans and gender non-conforming South Dakotans will come to the polls knowing their rights as citizens and voters. A good interaction and a good experience are ensured when the ‘ground rules’ are clearly communicated and understood by all stakeholders.”
In addition to the tip sheet for election workers, the organizations are sharing voting rights information for gender non-conforming, non-binary and transgender voters on social media. The information includes answers to common questions, election protection resources and more.
This isn’t the first time the ACLU of South Dakota, Equality South Dakota and the Transformation Project have teamed up to advocate for transgender rights. The organizations, along with other LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Pride groups throughout the state, launched a voter engagement initiative earlier this year to encourage queer communities to get out and vote.
The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of South Dakota is part of a three-state chapter that also includes North Dakota and Wyoming. The team in South Dakota is supported by staff in those states.
The ACLU believes freedoms of press, speech, assembly, and religion, and the rights to due process, equal protection and privacy, are fundamental to a free people. In addition, the ACLU seeks to advance constitutional protections for groups traditionally denied their rights, including people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit communities. The ACLU of South Dakota carries out its work through selective litigation, lobbying at the state and local level, and through public education and awareness of what the Bill of Rights means for the people of South Dakota.
Equality South Dakota is the primary statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in South Dakota.
Equality South Dakota advocates for the promotion and protection of LGBTQ+ rights in South Dakota. Driven by action, allyship and accountability, the organization envisions a fully inclusive South Dakota that upholds equity, equality and rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Transformation Project supports and empowers transgender youth, young adults and their families while educating communities in South Dakota and the surrounding region about gender identity and expression.
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