The following post comes from HRC’s Email Communications Coordinator David Salisbury. David is just one of 30 HRC staff that will be on the ground in 16 states by Election Day, working with HRC-endorsed candidates and engaging our membership about the upcoming elections:
I just returned from a week in beautiful Colorado helping to elect Betsy Markey for Congress. As HRC’s Email Communications Coordinator, I get to read about the many fair-minded candidates that HRC supports. Helping a local campaign was great way to step out of my online advocacy role and hit the streets for equality directly. During my time in Colorado, I’ve spoken to hundreds of potential voters. From all the calls I made, one thing is clear across the board; HRC members and supporters are getting out to the polls, voting early and making a real difference in Colorado’s future.
The race for Colorado’s 4th District is tight this year. Recent polls have Markey tied with her opponent Cory Gardner. However, there’s been an impressive outpouring of early voters and volunteer support thanks to the efforts of folks that have been out making calls and knocking on doors. Colorado’s values are certainly in line with Markey’s voting record. She supports the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and voted for the passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Voters know that the best way to pass laws that protect all citizens is to elect officials who support equal rights for all. Betsy Markey is one of those officials.
One of my favorite conversations last week was with an elderly woman in Fort Collins who’s been an HRC member for years. She told me that though she hasn’t been able to get out much, she’s making arrangements to get to the voting polls because HRC told her how important this year’s elections are. This is how HRC is making a difference for LGBT Americans across the country; one conversation at a time. When I met Betsy Markey and thanked her for her action on issues that matter to the LGBT community, her response was “It’s easy!” And it can be; each one of us can do something to make life better in the workplace, in schools and for our families. Betsy is doing her part to make America better, will you?
Paid for by the Human Rights Campaign PAC and authorized by Markey for Congress
