Campaign Launched to Support LGBT Candidates in US Capital Local Elections

Capital Stonewall Democrats, the largest local LGBT political group in Washington, D.C. (USA), has launched the “Queering ANCs” campaign. Its goal is to help more LGBT people get elected to the city’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), as reported by The Washington Blade.

The District of Columbia’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissions consist of 345 single-member districts. Commission members work on an unpaid basis and are elected for two-year terms. They consider issues affecting their neighborhoods, including transportation, housing, streetscape improvements, liquor licenses, and the district’s budget. Although the commissions cannot enact laws independently, city authorities are legally required to give their recommendations “great weight.”

According to Stevie McCarty, president of Capital Stonewall Democrats, the organization has launched an initiative to build a local candidate pipeline. As part of the campaign, the QueeringANCs.org website has been launched. It provides information on how to run for a commission seat, offers help with collecting signatures (25 signatures are required for nomination by August 5), and allows individuals to join a cohort of candidates for mentorship. The program also includes safety measures designed specifically for queer and trans candidates.

Currently, 38 LGBT individuals serve on the commissions. The campaign organizers hope to increase this number in the upcoming November elections.