Because of Georgia’s new role as a swing-state which has created a never-ending stream of tv commercials, it’s hard not to know that we have yet another round of elections.  For those of you who have requested a mail-in ballot, you should start receiving those in the mail in the next week.  For those of you who have not already requested a mail-in ballot, I would recommend that you make your plan to vote early in-person starting October 17.

You can find out more information about voting options by visiting the Georgia Voter Guide.

As important as an elected US Senator and Governor are, what some may not realize is the importance of voting all the way down the ballot.  In fact, I was in a meeting recently where it was revealed that 15% of respondents in a recent poll about other statewide races said they just didn’t plan on voting in those races!  These state constitutional officers have tremendous control over what legislation makes it to the floor of the Georgia Senate (Lt. Governor), enforcement of civil rights protections (Attorney General), voting rights (Secretary of State), labor law (Labor Commissioner) and school policies (School Superintendent). You can also see which candidates for office Georgia Equality have endorsed by visiting our election center.

In addition to these statewide races that all of us will vote in, the entire Georgia General Assembly, and local races such as county commissioners, will also be decided.  These are the races where turnout can have some of the greatest influence on the ability to pass nondiscrimination protections on a local level, to prevent the passage of legislation that is harmful to LGBTQ Georgians and to determine how much funding is going to critical issues such as HIV, mental health and education. 

 

Jeff Graham, Executive Director
He, Him, His