Chicago, IL — Members of Chicagoland's LGBTQ+ Allies community have organized a COVID-19 responsible day of "Get Out The Vote" ( GOTV ) canvassing in Southwest Michigan's Berrien County on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020 to turn out voters in support of the entire Democratic ticket in this important area.
Three-term State Representative Jon Hoadley is within striking distance of becoming Michigan's first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress, representing the state's 6th congressional district and unseating 30+ year GOP incumbent Fred Upton.
"This close race is going to be won by turning out voters, so I am thrilled to have friends from around the region helping us encourage voters, many who have experienced disenfranchisement or intimidation, exercise their right to vote", said Jon Hoadley, who has been endorsed by the Victory Fund. Event organizer, Austin Baidas adds "Michigan has same day voter registration, so new voters are still able to register and participate up to and including Election Day."
The grassroots LGBTQ+ Allies Midwest Action Group aims to have 100 people canvassing in important Democratic strongholds like Benton Harbor; a large town with a significant African American population, where turnout has not been strong since Obama's 2008 election. Volunteers are needed on Election Day and will be trained on arrival to canvass to actively encourage "day of" voting.
Those participating on Election Day are asked to wear a mask, bring lunch if they wish and to meet at the Livery Brewery in Benton Harbor at 10am Eastern Time on November 3rd to be deployed. Canvassing will continue through the day and conclude at the brewery. IL State Senator Sara Feigenholz is generously providing financial support to transport volunteers safely. For more details please reach out to canvassing coordinator Austin Baidas at MidwestActionGroup2020@gmail.com .
In addition to the canvassing activity which the LGBTQ+ Allies Midwest Action Group has been coordinating, there has also been weekly phone banking on behalf of the Hoadley Campaign as well as for Biden-Harris every Tuesday. For those interested in participating, please contact coordinator Coco Soodek at MidwestActionGroup2020@gmail.com .
