We’re as weary of the 2016 presidential election as the next folks. And as much space as we’ve dedicated to the election in this editorial, we have to add just a bit more to underscore the urgency of the situation we’re facing.
As of this printing, there are 11 days left to register to vote in the general election in Pennsylvania. (Delaware residents, you have until Oct. 15, and New Jersey residents until Oct. 18.)
Here in Pennsylvania, our votes are predicted to play an integral role in who will be sitting in the Oval Office come January. According to some leading political pundits, the entire election could boil down to what happens in the Keystone State. So no pressure, guys.
We are considered the bellwether of the swing states in this election; if Hillary Clinton wins us, the White House is considered a lock, yet if Donald Trump secures Pennsylvania, he’s likely to be our next leader.
Clinton still has a slight edge over Trump among most polls of Pennsylvania voters — but it’s narrow, and has gotten slimmer in recent days.
Though we won’t be releasing our slate of endorsements for a few more weeks, it’s safe to say that Donald Trump does not stand for anything our community stands for, and is a very real threat to the continued evolution of the LGBT-rights movement, in addition to basic American democracy.
It is imperative for Pennsylvania’s LGBT voters to make their voices heard on Election Day. Though some may think one vote doesn’t make a difference, in this election it does. In this election, where the very safety of our country, our cities and our LGBT community is at stake, every single vote matters.
Register to vote by Oct. 11. Tell your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers that they need to register to vote by Oct. 11. (You can register online at www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us or in person at your county elections office, which you can find at www.votespa.com.) And on Nov. 8, take a few minutes out of your day to make your voice heard.