VoteRiders
NYC attorney needed to help voters obtain their birth certificates to get ID
Break down barriers to voting, access to services and employment
Posted January 28, 2026
Background & Context
We have an attorney who is currently handling this work but she is not always available and we would like to have a second attorney to balance the workload and provide coverage when the other attorney is not available. The work with the voter to prepare the BC application will be virtual, but an in person visit to the Vital Records offices will be required to present the applications and obtain the BC. The BC will then be mailed to the voter. VoteRiders will cover all of the expenses.
Work & Deliverables
NYC has strict rules on who can order a birth certificate (BC) which our voters often cannot meet. They need an attorney to represent them in the BC application process and go to the Vital Records office closest to the attorney to obtain the birth certificate. This will likely be done once or twice a month. In between, the attorney will work with a VoteRiders' volunteer and the voter to gather the necessary documents.
Preparation Phase
- Connect with volunteer and voter on BC assistance request
Collaboration Phase
- Make sure volunteer understands how to support the voter in preparing the necessary application
- Volunteer reviews the application package, obtains voter signature and mail package to attorney
- After package is received an confirmed complete, schedule time to go to Vital Records to obtain BC
- After BC obtained, mail the BC to the voter, volunteer will close the case internally.
Wrap Up
- Confirm with volunteer that BC was received by voter.
VoteRiders
VoteRiders is a non-partisan, non-profit organization founded in 2012 with a mission to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote. VoteRiders informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID as well as inspires and supports organizations, local volunteers, and communities to sustain voter ID education and assistance efforts.
VoteRiders
VoteRiders is a non-partisan, non-profit organization founded in 2012 with a mission to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote. VoteRiders informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID as well as inspires and supports organizations, local volunteers, and communities to sustain voter ID education and assistance efforts.