Today the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund announced an on-going Queer the Vote multi-faceted campaign to inform, educate and mobilize LGBTQ+ communities as we approach the November 3rd 2020 elections. Tonight, Wednesday October 7th at 6:30pm ET / 3:30pm PT, there will be a Queer the Absentee Vote Text Party. The National LGBTQ Task Force is partnering with Equality Florida to Queer the Vote in one of the most crucial states in the country. You can sign up here to help reach out to LGBTQ+ voters and ensure they are set up to vote in the upcoming general election effectively and safely.
“This is about the power of US and the stakes could not be higher,” said Rea Carey, Task Force Action Fund Executive Director. “It is not news to anyone how critical this election is, we hear it every day, every hour and from everyone. What you may not know is that at least 2 million people identify as LGBTQ+ and are not registered to vote. At the Task Force, we believe that voting should be accessible for everyone. The Queer the Vote campaign will provide everything one needs to vote successfully and make a difference. Only 50% of registered LGBTQ voters showed up to vote in 2016 – that cannot happen this November.”
“In short, our community’s participation could make the difference in who is elected in national, state and local elections this November. This is why we are devoting every day until November 3rd to actions to Queer The Vote,” said Kierra Johnson, Deputy Executive Director of the Task Force Action Fund. “We have seen the erosion of hard-fought LGBTQ+ rights, especially for trans and non-binary people, a mismanaged pandemic that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, a devastating economic turndown and an uprising crying out for racial justice that continues to grow. We must take our power and obligation to vote seriously, because this election has much more on the ballot than individual candidates, our very democracy is at stake.”
The National LGBTQ Task Force has partnered with LGBTQ Nation on a Voting Center that is designed to help people make their vote plan. The center includes voter registration, vote by mail, and in person early voting deadlines in addition to key races to watch by state. In the midst of a pandemic, it is even more critical that people consider ahead of time how, when, and where they are going to vote and what it means for their life regarding transportation, parking, in some states purchasing stamps, dependent care, voting accessibility, and their employment.
The following Queer the Vote virtual events are being held this month:
Queer the Vote Training Series:
Saturday October 10th at 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT
During their virtual Queering Racial Justice Institute, the Task Force will host a 2-hour workshop called “Moving Policy Change from Chants in the Streets to Transformation in Public Safety.” Learn more about policies in Congress that if we get enough advocates elected we can pass and then share best practices on how to hold those advocates accountable in getting it done. Register here.
Wednesday October 13th
6pm ET / 3PM PT – Vote Planning During a Crisis: This workshop is focused on ensuring LGBTQ and all voters have a solid vote plan in the midst of the health, racial, and economic crises happening in our country. We will also discuss the positions your voting on to help you decide who best represents your ideals for good governance. Register here.
8pm ET /5pm PT – How to Get Out The Vote: When campaigns call your house asking you to volunteer do you know what they are actually asking you to do and how it could impact the outcome of the election? If you would like to know what volunteer opportunities are typically available, we are here to talk you through what they are, their impact on the election, and what skills are needed. Register here.
Vote-By-Mail Kiki Tea Session:
Wednesday, October 14th at 8:30pm ET / 5:30 PT
This event is all about how you are feeling and how we are going to make sure you can safely and successfully vote from home. Some states make this a lot harder than others so if you have any questions about the process or just want to talk join in.
The Task Force has also teamed up with HeadCount to encourage our communities to #VoteWithPride. HeadCount’s Vote With Pride Center was created to empower LGBTQ+ people and allies through information about barriers LGBTQ+ people face and to share tips on how to vote safely.
Learn more about our Queer the Vote campaign at http://queerthevote.org.
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