Notes From the Chair

by Co-chair Ken Allan

The November People*

As you read this we will be just around 1 month to historic Election Day 2008.

Here at The EEGO Foundation are role is to advocate, as opposed to be overtly political, but I wanted to use this months column to speak to everyone about what role we can take this Election Day.

First the obvious, VOTE, even if no candidate is to your liking, VOTE, remember you can always write in a candidate if there are none that you wish to back on the actual ballot. A word of caution on this, and no it has nothing to do with “throwing your vote away”. If you wish to exercise your right to write in a candidate, study the sample ballot, and learn the write in procedure for your polling place, and contact your board of elections to ensure that poll workers are versed on the write in procedures.

Second, educate YOURSELF about the candidates running this election day, be they, local, county, state, or national. I stress learn for YOURSELF, visit their websites, LISTEN to their speeches, and read between the lines.

SOURCE #1, The Victory Fund, www.victoryfund.org

The Victory Fund maintains an excellent website that focuses on COMPETANT, openly
GLBT candidates running for offices at all levels. Their site also contains a wealth of information about all candidates, their stances on GLBT issues, and organizations that they belong to and their stances on GLBT issues.

Third, educate YOUR FAMILY and FRIENDS no matter where they live. There are a number of states that have marriage initiatives on the ballot, anti-descrimination laws, and potential laws affecting a women’s right to choose. Your family and friends may state how supportive they are of our community, BUT do they realize how important some of these ballot measures are ? They may not, (as supportive as they are), realize how important these initiatives are to basic human rights. As an example, a Florida
Ballot Question, known as “Amendment 2” would ban same-sex marriage.

SOURCE #2, Human Rights Campaign, www.hrc.org

The HRC also hosts an excellent website, and theirs has a STATE by STATE drop down box that lists important initiatives in that state. A perfect way to educate friends and family on important ballot questions.

Fourth, VOLUNTEER on Election Day. The more voters that cast ballots on election day, the better ! Contact you local towns Human Services department, or you local board of elections, or community board, and offer to assist seniors and the mobility prepared in getting out to the polls. As long as no campaigning is involved your good to go! For that matter keep an eye out for any strong arming, or intimidation at or near your local polling station. Report ANY abuse to your local board of elections, and news media

Fifth, GO THE EXTRA MILE, by taking time at any gathering to stress the importance of voting, no you don’t have to politic, just say VOTE. If you can attend any debates, town hall style meetings, or rallies, ATTEND, and make your voice heard. If you’re a
avid viewer of political TV shows, CALL IN, and make your viewpoints known !

Sixth, AVOID BEING TRICKED, into speaking for THE EEGO Foundation. We are, as you know, a 501 C 3 non for profit foundation, and as such we can not endorse candidates, nor can we be partisan, in our approach to advocacy. If anyone pushes you on this issue, have them contact me, via the EEGO phone line, or via email at info@eego.org

Lets all make a difference this Election Day !

Ken

*Now on the lighter side, The November People was a short lived play on Broadway in the late 1970’s. It played at an all but forgotten Broadway Theatre, that happily was rescued in the early 1980’s, renovated, a given a new name, and reopened with a one women show that won many awards. What was the name of this theatre in 1979, and what was it renamed when it reopened in the 1980’s. Send your answers to info@eego.org