Via HRC:

Dear Daniel,  As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures dip, many of us are pulling out sweaters and putting away the artifacts of summer. But as we shift from swimsuits to warm soups, tough elections across the country are in full swing. As beautiful as the fall can be, we can't simply sit around and watch the leaves change. There are critical elections contests underway that impact what matters most to us: our families, safe workplaces and equality for all Americans. This fall, HRC staff is across the nation, digging in and making sure our members know how critical these races are for LGBT people and our allies. Election results matter and we have some big challenges. By Nov. 2nd, 30 HRC staff members will have been on the ground in 16 states, their efforts multiplied by volunteers dedicated to ensuring our community's voice resonates in the outcome. Stop by our DC headquarters almost any night and we'll enlist you in phone banks alerting members in key states to get involved and, most importantly, to vote. In Pennsylvania, Regional Field Director Sultan Shakir has been leading a team assisting several key races. Sultan and other HRC staff have been emboldened by amazing volunteers, who are doing what it takes to win, whether that's canvassing door-to-door, making calls or swelling the ranks of a rally. Mobilizing HRC members to vote is essential to ensuring a supportive Congress or State House. There's no better example than Minnesota, where the outcome could determine the future of marriage equality. The state legislature is poised to pass a marriage equality bill next year, but it means little without a governor in the corner office to sign it into law. That's why HRC has made a big investment in Minnesota and with contributions and staff, including Regional Field Director Tony Wagner, on the ground. The promise of marriage equality also sits on the horizon for New Yorkers. After narrowly losing last year, it was clear we needed to change the composition of the New York state Senate to win. That's why for months, HRC has been involved in races throughout the state; including our campaign strategist Brian Ellner. As we ramp up in this final full week, several prominent New Yorkers have lent their voice to our New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign. There is real momentum in New York, and these last days will be critical. While these examples may be some of the headline states for our community, we have mobilized a grassroots army from Washington State to Florida, and from Delaware to Nevada. In the space I have here, I can only offer a snapshot of our electoral and field work. I do know that none of this would be possible without the support of our HRC members. Whether donating to pro-equality candidates or campaigns, canvassing where you live or emailing your family and friends to vote, all of you make change possible.  As we east coasters bundle up, we are reminded of the changes that arrive each season. Let’s stand together to make sure that the changes in November lead us closer to a policy-making landscape of men and women who will truly represent our families and communities. And that means, one final push for equality until Election Day, Nov. 2nd. Thank you for all you are doing this Fall. Joe Solmonese President, Human Rights Campaign P.S. In other news, this week HRC released our Congressional Scorecard that rates Senators and Representatives on LGBT equality issues. Find out how your leaders rate.

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