CHICAGO - Equality Illinois, the state's largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( "LGBT" ) people, announced the launch of its innovative get-out-the-vote efforts, capitalizing on new changes in Illinois election law. The effort, in coalition with Roosevelt University and Rock-The-Vote is called VOTE NAKED ILLINOIS.
The coalition is among the first to capitalize on the new changes in Illinois election law that allow properly registered voters to vote by mail for any reason.
"It is imperative that Illinois voters cast their ballots this November, regardless of how they vote or where; and we'll do whatever it takes to make that happen," — said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois Education Project. "It is so easy to vote in the privacy of one's own home, one can even do it naked."
In the face of record low voter turnout across Illinois, Equality Illinois has joined with Rock the Vote and Roosevelt University to get out the vote in a very unique way for the November 2nd election in a project called Vote Naked Illinois. A recent change in Illinois election law now makes it possible for voters to request no-excuse absentee ballots, allowing voters to cast a ballot from the privacy of their own home.
The change in absentee rules allows for voters to fill out an ballot request applications , mail it into their local election authority and receive an absentee ballot in the mail. Fueled by a dynamic social media campaign and supported by a strong field organization, Vote Naked Illinois plans to turn out thousands of absentee ballots. The organization is also urging supporters to plan their own Vote Naked organizing events to encourage ballot applications.
Vote Naked Illinois' social media presence is a driving force of the campaign. Voters can log onto VoteNakedIllinois.org where they will find a video, slideshow and a sign-up form. The site features an eye-catching video featuring Illinoisans who share what they "get naked for" and explains how to vote by mail.
"Social media has changed the landscape of elections---it's no longer a matter of if we use social media, it's matter of how," explains Kevin Hauswirth, Director of Advertising & Promotions at Roosevelt University who also teaches courses on social media marketing.
Absentee ballot applications can be turned in from September 23 until October 28 by mail and until November 1 in person. Vote Naked Illinois voter outreach services are available without regard to the voter's political preference. Information or other assistance regarding registering or voting, including any services offered, shall not be withheld or refused on the basis of support for or opposition to particular candidates or a political party.
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Equality Illinois was founded to secure, protect and defend the civil rights of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender Illinoisans. It is one of the Midwest's largest gay civil rights organizations.
