Speak Out: Get out and vote!

By Ellis McFadden

Vote! It’s vital in every election if our republic is to function as it was intended.  But do more – join me by giving cash and/or time. Don’t simply sit back and leave your civil rights up to others. I am one who truly believes in action, not reflection. Much comes from simply showing up.

This was going to be nonpartisan – but I am passionate that the Democratic Party is the way to go for LGBT civil rights. The Democrats were the first to have a platform plank endorsing marriage equality. President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. The Republicans consistently oppose marriage equality and therefore deny us our equal rights as citizens.

Colorado’s bill for civil unions was defeated by a Republican-led state House of Representatives, which with a one-seat Republican majority, 33-32, was lost to Democrats by approximately 200 votes in 2010. Don’t say your vote doesn’t make a difference. Vote!

Friends say I am unusual for my efforts, but I am not. Currently, I remain angry that civil unions failed in our legislature. I am focused on winning a Democratic majority in the Colorado house and keeping a majority in the Senate. Certainly, I don’t expect everyone to give as much time as I do, but please participate.

My schedule includes work for a number of legislative candidates, but that’s not to say that the presidential race isn’t vital. Show me a door, and I’ll go knock, learning about the voter if possible. Getting out the vote is vital.

Change often seems slow, but in my lifetime, I never dreamed a major party would endorse LGBT civil rights. It’s not perfect but a big step in the right direction.

Roll up your sleeves, show up and pitch in. A few minutes and a few dollars add up and do make a difference. It’s easy to complain, but it’s also easy to act.

My efforts are as easy as a phone call or a door knock – whether for an issue or a candidate, participation is a passion, as well as a joy.

Everyone can make a difference.

Ellis B. McFadden is a long-time Denver activist and honoree of Out Front’s 2012 Lifetime Achievement Power Award for his decades of  dedication to his community.