Organizations getting out the vote in Colorado
It was four years ago that then-candidate Sen. Barak Obama spoke to a crowd of more than 84,000 people packed into Invesco Field at Mile High. But despite the fervor, 560,000 registered Colorado voters were “inactive” on Election Day, according to figures from the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, 30 million eligible American voters didn’t go to the polls in 2008. Here are several local and national campaigns working hard to reduce those numbers and get Americans energized again this election season.
New Era Colorado: Not Left, Not Right, But Forward.
From presidential debate watch parties to Trick-or-Vote registration events, New Era Colorado is at the forefront of getting Coloradans registered, informed and to the polls. The foundation was started in 2006 with the goal of empowering the next generation of Colorado voters and leaders.
“We work to get young people more engaged in the political process around the state,” executive director Steve Fenberg told Out Front. “There’s quite a bit at stake when it comes to the state legislature. Whoever holds the majority has a real impact on very tangible outcomes like tuition rates for education, civil rights issues, LGBT equality and immigration issues.”
As of Oct. 8, NEC has registered more than 19,750 voters this year and boasts an 89 percent voter turnout rate in 2008. On Oct. 31, thousands of NEC volunteers will participate in the annual Trick-or-Vote campaign, dressing up in Halloween costumes and knocking on doors to register voters. The last event generated a 7.2 percent increase in voter turnout, according to NEC’s website.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: Queer the Vote
The nonprofit National Gay and Lesbian Task Force launched a nationwide Queer the Vote campaign. In addition to getting voters to register, the project asks participants to educate themselves and others on important ballot initiatives across America. Maine, for example, will be voting on a progressive initiative that would allow same-sex marriage. And the states of Minnesota, Maryland and Washington have ballot measures in which same-sex equality hangs in the balance.
“The opposition does not respect our families,” said NGLTF executive director Rae Carey. “Queer the Vote is really about asking LGBT people and our allies to stand up and let their voice be heard through their vote.”
After taking the pledge to vote on the website, Carey encourages Coloradans to contact friends or family members in other states where LGBT equality is under attack. “I encourage them to reach out and say, ‘We stand with you. Please vote on Election Day.’”
Just Vote Colorado Election Protection: Know Your Rights
Just Vote Colorado Election Protection is a nonpartisan initiative launched to keep Colorado voters informed. The website includes information on the forms of identification you can use to vote, the rights of voters with disabilities, your right to get time off from work on Election Day and what to do if your right to vote is challenged by an election judge. You can also verify your voter registration status and find out where the polls are located in your district.
“By going to the polls and casting that ballot, we’re able to show our elected leaders that we are out there and should be heard,” said executive director of Colorado Common Cause, Elena Nunez, steering committee member of JVCEP. Her message to those who may feel disenfranchised this election year: “The best way to fight back against a non-responsive government in to participate in our elections.”
JVCEP runs a hotline to assist Colorado voters with questions or concerns at 866-687-8683. Spanish speaking voters can call 888-839-8682.
One Colorado: Countdown to Election 2012 
www.one-colorado.org
The National Transgender Discriminatory Survey revealed that 40 percent of transgender Americans experienced harassment at the polls, and 15 percent were forced to leave. One Colorado has provided resources for Transgender Coloradan voters, along with a list of voter guidelines. For example, it is now optional in Colorado to mark your gender on a voter registration form.
In addition, One Colorado has endorsed their support for President Obama, outlining the plethora of progressive accomplishments over the past four years. From his signature on the Mathew Shepard and James Bryd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to hosting the first-ever conference at the White House on preventing bullying in schools, “President Obama has the most extensive track record of supporting the LGBT community of any sitting President,” One Colorado’s website emphasizes.
“The stakes are higher than ever before, and we need your help to win Colorado for President Obama and other pro-equality candidates.”
Human Rights Campaign: Take Action for Equality
www.hrc.org/election 
Newark Mayor Cory Booker spoke at the National Human Rights Campaign dinner Oct. 6. To a crowded room of more than 3,000 HRC supporters, he emphasized solidarity this election season. “You want to go fast, go alone. You want to go far, go together!”
HRC’s campaign, Take Action for Equality, lists pro-equality candidates along with specifics on the four same-sex ballot initiatives. The website also details Gov. Romney’s alarming record on LGBT issues, including his signature on a pledge sponsored by the National Organization for Marriage, which states in part that, if elected, Romney would support a constitutional amendment defining marriage between one man and one woman.
“This election is our next best chance to make historic progress,” said HRC President Chad Griffin at the dinner. “But it could go either way. Either Mitt Romney will have a national platform to defend the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, or we will send President Barak Obama back to the White House with a pro-equality mandate.”
PLUS:
Meet Colorado’s 8 out LGBT candidates for 2012 state legislative races
Out Front endorsements for the November 2012 election
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