First Transgender Facility Vote Center in U.S. Opens Saturday in L.A.

Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center Leadership, LA County Registrar, and West Hollywood Mayor celebrate new safe, affirming place to vote

Today, Los Angeles area Transgender Leadership, LA County Registrar Dean Logan, and West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson joined with other local political leaders to attend the grand opening of the first-ever general election Vote Center in America located in a Transgender establishment – the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center (CONOTEC).

The Vote Center at CONOTEC will be open for early voting November 2nd - 4th from 10am to 7pm and on election day, November 5th, from 7am to 8pm. Any registered voter in Los Angeles County can vote at CONOTEC regardless of where they live.

Queen Victoria Ortega, President of FLUX International, welcomed those gathered by saying, “We don’t talk we act. We are tired of everyone talking about us and the issue of safety, but they do nothing about it, so we have taken matters into our own hands. We, the trans community, have created a safe space for the most marginalized to vote and when you do that - you create a safe place for all. We are honored and duty bound to be the first presidential election Vote Center in America at a Transgender establishment.”

Queen Chela Demuir, Executive Director of the Unique Woman’s Coalition, added, “Queen Victoria and I stand together in the spirit of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, united in honoring our transcestors and carrying their legacy forward. Trans people of color have always been at the forefront of change, and this voting center stands as a safe and welcoming space for our trans siblings, while also embracing all allies and residents of Los Angeles County. It’s a space where everyone’s voice matters, and together, we continue our love letter to the community—uplifting, empowering, and ensuring every voice is heard.”

Bamby Salcedo - Founder & CEO, TransLatin@ Coalition – was on hand to express her support, “My sisters at CONOTEC have done a great service to our Community by securing this Vote Center. We all look forward to casting our vote in our Community, and we appreciate all of the support as we work towards equality for all.”

Kelly Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, praised the efforts of CONOTEC saying, “With our vote, each of us has the chance to write the next chapter of this nation’s story. And the nation’s story is incomplete without each one of us. When we show up, equality wins. And we could not be more grateful to the Connie Norman Center for lifting trans voices, empowering LGBTQ+ voters, and encouraging the entire community to show up and demonstrate our power at the ballot box.”

L.A. County Registrar Dean Logan took part in cutting the ceremonial ribbon and said, “The County and everyone in my office know that we need to make voting as accessible and welcoming as possible in every corner of the county. The CONOTEC leadership has done a great job preparing this Vote Center, and we thank them for opening their space to their Community and all of the L.A. County residents who chose to vote here.”

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241101908535/en/