About Voting Contigo Rapid Response Grant
Representation is power, and LGBTQ+ communities of color have historically been marginalized from equal access and opportunity in American democracy. For years, and in particular these past four years, democratic institutions in the U.S. have been put under unprecedented strain by authoritarian influencers. The horrific attacks on our democracy and growing fascist and totalitarian movements call for an infusion of new, strong, and progressive leadership from those most impacted by inequality and injustice. In response to these attacks on our nation’s democratic institutions, Contigo seeks to fund initiatives and projects that are aimed at civic engagement. Organizations with proven track records of success will be prioritized. All activities must be nonpartisan, 501(c)3 oriented. Funds will not be awarded to 501(c)4 activities, PACs, or individual political campaigns.
While 2022 isn’t a presidential election year, however, the very fabric of governing in America will be up for grabs in scores of congressional, gubernatorial, and state legislative races. What’s at stake during the 2022 mid-term election?
- Governor & Governor’s Cabinet: The Florida Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, and Commission of Agriculture are all up for election.
- U.S. House of Representatives: All 435 seats are up for election since all U.S. House members serve two-year terms.
- U.S. Senate: The future of the U.S. Senate is a toss-up.
- Florida State Legislature: Due to this year’s redistricting, there are all new House and Senate districts. In addition, every House seat is up for election since all Florida State House members serve two-year terms.
- Local Elections: Many critical local races are taking place in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties, including open School Board seats which particularly wield substantial power over the lives of our LGBTQ+ youth.
On Aug. 23, primaries will determine which candidates appear on November’s general election ballot for the U.S. House and Senate, governor, the state House and Senate, and other state and local offices. Note that Florida’s passage of a new election law means you’ll be able to use ballot drop boxes only during the hours that early voting sites are open — and that you’ll need to provide ID when requesting a vote-by-mail ballot in person by phone or in writing.