Equality Fairfax

With the election just one week away, it is critical that GLBT Virginians and our allies make sure our voice is heard at the polls. Most polls show us at 5%-7% of the electorate, so we have the numbers to swing a close election.  And, this year a number of the races on the ballot in Virginia are promising to be close! 

Your Election Day Checklist

• Know the Issues! Go to EV’s Election Center and read EV’s voter guide on presidential candidates McCain and Obama and candidates for U.S. Senate Warner and Gilmore.  Learn where they stand on the issues you care about.  Download the voter guide, email it to your friends, print it up and pass it around.

• Know where you vote and set aside time to do it! Find out where your polling place is and plan now how you’re going to get there on election day (Tuesday, November 4th) and when you are going to go.  You can check the location here.  Remember that turnout is expected to be heavy, and you’ll likely have to spend more time than usual at the polls.  The polls open at 6am and close at 7pm, and anyone who is in line at 7pm has the right to vote before the polls are closed.

• Know how to vote absentee and do it! If you are going to be out of town on election day, or otherwise qualify for an absentee ballot (you have long commute times, you are ill or disabled or caring for someone who is), the deadline to apply to vote absentee by mail then is 5pm, Tuesday, October 28th (today!!) and voted ballots submitted by mail must be received by the Electoral Board before the polls close on election day, November 4th.  You can apply to vote and vote absentee in person at your local registrar’s office through Saturday, November 1st, but you must check with your local registrar about times and arrangements to do so.

• Volunteer at the polls on election day!  Volunteer now to spend an hour or two with EV at the polls on election day.  You’ll be educating voters about the positions of the candidates on GLBT issues and signing folks up to support our initiative to end workplace discrimination.  This isn’t a partisan activity and anyone can participate!

• Encourage others to vote and to vote NO on anti-gay initiatives! If you have friends or family in California, Arizonaor Florida, call them today to ask them to be sure they vote and vote NO on the anti-gay “marriage amendments” that are on the ballots in those states this election day. 

• Pledge now to help end workplace discrimination in Virginia! Fill out our ONLINE petition.

• VOTE!

 We can make a difference. You can make a difference. Get involved, get active and get equal!

Thanks!

Dyana Mason
Executive Director