WASHINGTON,DC….Oct. 7, 2020…..The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund today announced an on-going "Queer the Vote" multi-faceted campaign to inform, educate and mobilize LGBTQ+ communities as we approach the Nov. 3, 2020 elections.
"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," Carey continued. "We hear it every day, every hour and from everyone. What you may notknow 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," Carey concluded.
"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 3 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," concluded Johnson.
We are proud to partner 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.
This website helps our community make those decisions. For more info see here : www.lgbtqnation.com/promos/voting-center-2020/ .
The following virtual events are being held this month:
Queer the Absentee Vote Text Party
Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT
The National LGBTQ Task Force is partnering with Equality Florida to Queer the Vote in one of the most crucial states in the country. Join us to reach out to LGBTQ+ voters and ensure they are set up to vote in the upcoming general election effectively and safely. Sign up here! https://beyou.fyi/30iWK96 .
Queer the Vote Training Series
Saturday, Oct. 10 at 3:00pm ET/12:00pm PT
During our virtual Queering Racial Justice Institute, we are hosting a 2-hour workshop called "Moving Policy Change from Chants in the Streets to Transformation in Public Safety." You will 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: www.thetaskforce.org/qrj.html .
Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. ET, & 8 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT & 5 p.m. PT
6 p.m. — 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: www.thetaskforce.org/qrj.html .
8 p.m. — 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, Oct. 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. 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 with us, join us!
For those looking to host National Voter Day events on the 24th or want to virtually vote with loved ones using our format and your vote by mail ballots, we will share resources following this event on how to host your own Vote By Mail Kiki.
In addition, the Task Force Action Fund is partnering with LGBTQ Nation and HeadCount to further amplify their reach and impact.
LGBTQ Nation, the nation's most followed LGBTQ media source, recently launched a Queer the Vote Voting Center with state specific deadlines to register to vote, sign up for vote by mail, and more.
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 queerthevote.org
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice, and equity for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. For more information go to www.thetaskforce.org .
