Elections & Politics
The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) vote is sizable and bipartisan, and can be a swing vote in a close election.
Read our report on 2008 Presidential candidates' positions on LGBT issues .
Why It Matters:
Elected officials exercise enormous power over critical issues affecting LGBT people, including granting nondiscrimination protections and family recognition; allocating funding for health and human service needs; and appointing judges whose rulings could impact our community for generations to come. Elected officials need to know that LGBT people comprise a voting bloc that won’t sit on the sidelines as their rights and lives are being trampled upon.
What We’re Doing:
- We’re on Capitol Hill, educating federal lawmakers on and advocating for legislation important to our community.
- We train local activists across the country how to run effective campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT ballot initiatives.
- We provide extensive research and resources for media, activists, policymakers, opinion leaders and others seeking accurate election-related information.
- We’ve created an online Activist Center to give LGBT rights activists the tools they need to create change.
- We have a long history of breaking ground for our community. We recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Task Force-convened first meeting between gay and lesbian leaders and the White House. Learn more, view photos and listen to leaders’ reflections.
What You Can Do:
- Help pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007! Here’s how.
- Visit our Activist Center.
- Register to vote. If you’re not eligible to vote, encourage your friends to register.
- Support the work of the Task Force.
