On Saturday, volunteers from EVPAC and the Human Rights Campaign joined forces to help get out the vote for Danica Roem in the Virginia House of Delegates District 13 race. If elected, Roem would make history as the first out transgender person seated in a state legislature, according to the Washington Blade.

James Parrish, Executive Director for EVPAC, Marty Rouse, National Field Director for HRC, and Roem addressed the group of volunteers before they teamed up and headed out to knock on doors and talk to voters.

“Virginia is for Lovers — of equality — and HRC is proud to work with Equality Virginia and other groups to support Danica Roem as we turn out equality voters in this northern Virginia district,” said Rouse.

After returning from her first time canvassing, Stefany Guido said, "I felt like I was actually making an impact in politics — which has always felt impenetrable in the past. It was so rewarding to get to go out and interact with other voters in a positive way."

Volunteer Erin Longbottom was energized by her experience canvassing for Roem.

"It was really cool to canvass for someone who is also part of the LGBTQ community. While I've canvassed before, it felt way more personal and special to canvas for a candidate like Danica,” said Longbottom. “I was so excited to talk to people about her campaign platform, and it was really awesome when people were excited about the changes Danica wants to make in her community too!"

If you live in or near Virginia and want to help make a difference in the November elections, you can sign up to volunteer here. For more information about HRC’s election work in Virginia, contact Ryan Wilson at ryan.wilson@hrc.org

If you are registered to vote in Virginia and aren’t going to be able to vote in-person on November 7th, be sure to request an absentee ballot. You can apply online for your absentee ballot for a number of reasons on this helpful website. Submit your application before Tuesday, October 31st!