Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is partnering with the national Drag Out the Vote campaign to educate and register (and entertain) voters.
Drag Out the Vote is a nonpartisan organization that works with drag performers to advocate for increased voter engagement by focusing on issues affecting LGBTQ people.
The partnership includes public awareness campaigns providing information on how to register and cast votes and important deadlines.
“Government should work for everyone, and the best way to hold your elected officials accountable is by exercising your constitutional right to vote,” said Secretary Gorbea.
“I want to thank Drag Out the Vote and founder Jackie Huba for their work to engage and empower voters. While the pandemic may not allow you to ‘sashay your way to the polls,’ as Jackie says, there are still safe and secure ways to cast your ballot in Rhode Island this year – like voting from home and voting early in-person,” Gorbea said.
The partnership was made possible by Rhode Island’s first Drag Out the Vote Ambassador, Anthony DeRose, also known by his drag alter ego Jacqueline DeMera.
“I am so excited and proud to be working with Drag Out the Vote to use my love of politics and drag to make a difference,” said DeRose. “Secretary Gorbea and I are determined to ensure that the voices of all Rhode Islanders, especially those in the LBGTQ+ community, are heard at the ballot box.”
“One in five LGBTQ+ people are not registered to vote, and election cycle after election cycle, youth turnout continues to be a challenge,” said Drag Out the Vote founder Jackie Huba. “The power of Secretaries of State, like Secretary Nellie Gorbea, has the potential to change the future of our country by increasing ballot access and safely executing our elections for all Americans. We are proud that she is partnering with us in using the art and activism of drag to educate and register voters.”
To register to vote or learn more about your options for voting safely and securely in Rhode Island, visit vote.ri.gov. For more on Drag Out the Vote campaign, check out their website.
Not a subscriber? Sign up today for a free subscription to Boston Spirit magazine, New England’s premier LGBT magazine. We will send you a copy of Boston Spirit 6 times per year and we never sell/rent our subscriber information. Click HERE to sign up!
