op-ed
Christian Grantham was a student activist in the late 90s and later was a consultant to domestic policy forums for the Clinton Administration as well as events for HRC and GLAAD.
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October 23, 2004

Gays and lesbians in Florida are aiming to bring more than 350,000 lgbt voters to the polls by November 2. In the 2000 Presidential race, 44,723 gays in Florida voted for George W. Bush. That's not likely to happen, again.

The get-out-the-vote effort began to be designed shortly after Bush's 2000 victory, organizers said. Their main challenge was that no comprehensive list existed of gay voters, leading them to approach gay-owned businesses and social groups.

By reaching out to groups as diverse as the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and local Metropolitan Community Church congregations, the outwardly nonpartisan effort being led by Equality Florida turned a voter list from 2000 of 50,000 people into one containing more than a half-million names. About $500,000 will be spent on the drive, called TurnOut Florida.

Both TurnOut Florida and the Kerry campaign have phone banks to target gay voters, particularly those who do not consistently go to the polls. The campaign also has been going to gay bars and events such as the recent international gay swimming competition in Fort Lauderdale to encourage voting and sign up people to receive voter guides.
[Democrats push for gay turnout - Sun-Sentinel - 10-23-04]