My name is Gloria Cruz Cardenas (she/they), Chief Impact Officer at The Center, and I’m here to encourage you to vote in person or drop off your ballots at The Center by June 2 for the California Primary Election!
This election is one of the most critical elections of our time that will shape our communities, our freedoms, and the future of our democracy.
Across the country, we are witnessing coordinated attacks on the rights of LGBTQ+ people, especially trans and nonbinary folks, immigrants, women, and anyone whose existence challenges systems built to silence and exclude. We are seeing attempts to weaken voting rights, destroy hard-won protections, and erode our democracy.
That’s why this June primary matters so deeply. The decisions made in this election, including the governor’s race and key congressional seats, will influence the future of California and the direction of our country heading into the General Election in November. California is one of the largest economies in the world and has historically influenced the direction of our country. The power we build here helps protect vulnerable communities, shapes national politics, and pushes our country forward.
California has already shown what’s possible when communities organize and fight back. Last year, voters passed a redistricting amendment to help protect our democracy and safeguard fair representation in our state. We showed up then, and we can show up again now.
If you’ve been feeling enraged and overwhelmed by ICE raids, attacks on reproductive freedom, threats to affirming healthcare, anti-trans legislation, or the erosion of democratic protections, voting is one of the most powerful and practical ways to take action. When voter turnout rises, it sends a message that we are paying attention, demanding change, and refusing to be erased.
Come vote or drop off your ballot in an LGBTQ-affirming space! The Center is proud to be the only LGBTQ-affirming vote center in our region, where you can cast your ballot surrounded by people who see you, support you, and believe your voice matters. You will also receive our iconic rainbow “I Voted” sticker!
You can vote at The Center:
- Monday, June 1, from 8am–5pm
- Tuesday, June 2, from 7am–8pm
If The Center isn’t near you, you can also locate a vote center on the California Secretary of State website.
Whether this is your first election or your fiftieth, your vote carries power. Democracy survives because people choose to participate, speak up, and protect one another.
If you haven’t already voted in the California Primary Election, this is your chance to make your voice heard. Come vote in person, drop off your ballot, invite your friends to join, pick up your rainbow “I Voted” sticker, and be part of the movement shaping the future of our state and country!
In community,
Gloria Cruz Cardenas (she/they)
Chief Impact Officer