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 [1] .

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 [1], educating federal lawmakers on and advocating for legislation important to our community.
• We train [1] local activists across the country how to run effective campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT ballot initiatives.
• We provide extensive research [1] and resources for media, activists, policymakers, opinion leaders and others seeking accurate election-related information.
• We’ve created an online Activist Center [1] 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. [1]

What You Can Do:

• Help pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007! Here’s how. [1]
• Visit our Activist Center [1].
• Register to vote. If you’re not eligible to vote, encourage your friends to register.
• Support [1] the work of the Task Force.