SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — LGBTQ organizations are pushing for participation in the midterms as early voting begins in some Central Florida counties.

Luther Dowe, 44, uses numerous LGBTQ organizations he works with to educate and motivate his community to vote.

What You Need To Know

  • Luther Dowe of Seminole County has been helping create and distribute voting guides for LGBTQ voters

  • Dowe said LGBTQ participation in the midterms is important

  • The push comes as early voting began in several Central Florida counties Monday

During the 2018 midterms, about 63% of eligible voters statewide cast their ballot, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

That was higher than the 2014 midterms, but still lower than the 2020 presidential election.

He said this year’s results would impact a lot of the issues that will impact his community.

“It’s really important to vote for candidates that oppose bills damaging to the LGBTQ community,” he said. “Currently, they’re looking to take away health rights for transpeople. They’re just limiting what we can do.”

Dowe is married and a father of three children whom he and his partner adopted five years ago. He feels certain laws like the Parental Rights in Education Act or what critics refer to as the "Don’t Say Gay Bill," has made it difficult for his family and several others.

“Our youngest son is in Kindergarten and one of the things they’re learning about is family values and family dynamics,” he said. “When they bring a photo of their family in, what’s going to happen to families like mine and my son. Could he not put his family photo up because he has two dads?”

Another concern, Dowe wonders if other LGBTQ families will get the opportunity to get married in the future. He believes it could depend on who gets elected in November.

“If Roe v. Wade could be overturned, what’s to say they’re not going to revisit some other cases?"

Dowe's concerns come as Republicans continue to gain a voter registration advantage that Florida Democrats have guarded for decades.

“We’re no longer a swing state. We’re actually annihilating the Democrats,” Florida GOP Chairman Joe Gruters said in an interview with the Associated Press.

“I don’t want anyone else teaching my kids about the birds and the bees and gender fluidity issues,” Gruters said.

Meantime, Dowe said he would continue to educate and motivate his community to vote.

“Our vote will definitely make a difference,” Dowe said.

Early voting is ongoing in several Central Florida counties including Brevard, Lake, Orange, and Osceola Counties.

It will begin on Tuesday, October 25 in Sumter County, Wednesday, October 26 in Volusia County, and Thursday, October 27 in Marion County.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.