LGBTQ Equality Voters
The overall goal of the project is to make voting and civic participation fun, easy, and popular among Pinellas County youth in the LGBTQ+ community. We want civic participation to be a positive, empowering experience for all citizens and recognize that there are voter suppression tactics that disproportionately impact LGB and transgender or gender-nonconforming people, people of color, etc.
The Equality Voter campaign team oversees the following activities:
- Speakers’ bureau (presentations tailored to audience, interest, relevant news and upcoming events)
- Youth Project Stipends to introduce LGBTQ+ young people and allies to civic engagement and empower their active participation.
- Education and voter assistance for trans and non-binary voters
- St. Pete artists, John Gascot and James Hartzell, are teaming up with the League of Women Voters to add some Latin Pop Art to 556 Central Ave.
- A Little Hocus Pocus is coming to *Drag* Out the Vote!
- Friday, October 30, 2020 at 7 pm
- Facebook & YouTube Live
- Starring Daphne Ferrero, Kathryn Nevets, and Chi Chi Lalique
- Hosted by Tasha Samreny
Resources for Pinellas County Voters
Here the information you’ll need to vote in Pinellas County:
- Register to vote online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov
- Check your voter registration status
- Request and track your mail ballot at VotePinellas.com/VoteByMail
- Educate yourself about the candidates with our Voter Guide
- Be empowered to cast your ballot using
If it’s Election Day and you have a question that need an immediate answer, call the LWVSPA office at 727-295-5255 and trained volunteers will be available to help.
Guidance for Pinellas County Trans Voters
If you are ALREADY REGISTERED to vote under your current name (check here: https://www.votepinellas.com/Voter-Registration/Check-My-Registration-Status) then there is no deadline for name changes. You can change your name on Election Day if needed, with an affidavit. Request it from the Supervisor of Elections if you think you might need it. Their contact info is: MailBallot@VotePinellas.com (727) 464-VOTE (8683). The October 5 voter registration deadline is only for NEW REGISTRATIONS AND RE-REGISTRATIONS (such as returning citizens/former felons/ex-offenders). If you need to register then you must do so before the October 5, 2020 deadline using your legal name at that time and then submit a name change after it is finalized. Also, requesting a Vote By Mail ballot is super easy! You can do it online: https://www.votepinellas.com/election-information/elections/request-a-mail-ballot. Avoid the lines, COVID, and any in person hassles. Use Vote411.org to build your ballot. Mail it 3 weeks in advance of the election or drop it off at an SOE drop site. You can track it online to ensure it’s received! https://www.votepinellas.com/Mail-Ballots/Check-My-Mail-Ballot-Status
Knowing your rights can help avoid or solve problems at the polls. Some statements/language that can be helpful to share with SOE officials: “Transgender voters are not doing anything wrong or trying to deceive you—they are just being themselves. Transgender people have the right to vote just like everyone else, and it is your responsibility to ensure they are able to do so without hassle. If confusion about this person’s right to vote persists, please speak to an election supervisor or election judge in your area to resolve any remaining questions.” #EqualityVoters
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http://www.votingwhiletrans.org – Join the National Center for Transgender Equality’s “Voting While Trans” campaign to educate and prepare trans people on how to vote in light of new voter ID laws.