Mon. November 1, 2004
Chicago, IL -
Now more than ever, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans must take an active role in the political process. We must make our voice heard.
On November 2nd, Illinois Voters will cast ballots for President, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, state legislative offices, judges and varied county and local offices.
Polls will be open on Tuesday from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. The heaviest period of voting occurs between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Those living in Chicago can find their polling place or review a sample ballot at http://www.chicagoelections.com or call (312) 269-7900. Cook County voters outside Chicago should visit http://voterinfonet.com.
Click on the links below to find where you can cast your vote in the following counties:
DeKalb | Dupage | Kankakee | Kane | Lake | Lasalle | McHenry | Will | Indiana
Voter information for Illinois listed by County can be found at http://www.elections.state.il.us/voteinfo/pages/ElecAuthorityList.asp.
If voters experience any problems at the polls you should call 866-687-8687 or 866-OUR-VOTE.
The 2004 US presidential election will prove to be a cornerstone event for gay rights in America.
Senator John Kerry, Democratic Candidate for President, opposes gay marriage, but supports benefits & rights for gay couples. President George W. Bush, Republican, not only opposes gay marriage, but strongly favors changing the constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
Kerry supports adoption by gay couples; Bush opposes adoption by gay couples.
Kerry favors including Gays and Lesbians in current hate crime bills; Bush opposes including Gays and Lesbians in current hate crime bills.
The Chicago Free Press has endorsed John Kerry for President. The Windy City Times (Windy CIty Media Group) does not endorse candidates, but notes John Kerry has a 100% rating in the U.S. Senate from the Human Rights Campaign in the last five congresses, including the most recent, the 108th. Review the WCT questionnaire to candidates online. In addition, the Kerry ticket has received a majority of mainstream newspaper endorsements across the country.
In September, the National Log Cabin Republicans announced that they are withholding their endorsement from President Bush for 2004. (Full Story)
The race for Illinois U.S. Senate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Alan Keyes is also an important race to the GLBT Community.
In August, just prior to the Republican National Convention, Illinois Republican Senate candidate Alan Keyes categorized Mary Cheney as a “selfish hedonist.” "If my daughter were a lesbian, I'd look at her and say, `That is a relationship that is based on selfish hedonism.' I would also tell my daughter that it's a sin, and she needs to pray to the Lord God to help her to deal with that sin,” stated Keyes during a radio interview. (Full Story)
"Alan Keyes may be nutty and kooky but he represents many of the leaders in the Republican Party and the minions who follow him," Michaelangelo Signorile, host of Sirius OutQ radio, told 365Gay.com.
When asked about the GOP's chances of holding the Senate following Keyes comments, Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) said, "I think it's clear we lose Illinois."
In September, Republican Senate candidate Alan Keyes stated that Jesus would not vote for rising star Democrat Barack Obama, his opponent, because of Obama's earlier vote in the state Senate against a bill requiring doctors to provide medical care to infants born alive after attempted abortions.
The Chicago Free Press endorsed Barack Obama for Illinois U.S. Senate.
Both the Presidential and Illinois U.S. Senate races have focused on divisive issues like gay marriage and abortion.
The Judges of the Courts of Illinois could also directly affect our lives and civil rights. The website http://www.voteforjudges.org offers some valuable information on Judicial Candidates.
Now more than ever, it’s important for the GLBT Community to get out the vote!
The Gay Vote:
ChicagoPride.com Political News
Voice Your Choice: Message Boards | Who Gets Your Vote?
Related Resources:
365Gay.com Decision '04 | Windy City Times | Chicago FreePress
Human Rights Campaign | Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
National Stonewall Democrats | Log Cabin Republicans
Democratic National Committee | Republican National Committee
Chicago Sun-Times Elections | Chicago Tribune Election Coverage (Requires Subscription)
CNN Election Center
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Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com