Most people are probably following Question 1 in Maine, but even the local victories matter.
City Ordinance 1856 protects against discrimination, but the vote today was to amend such that it protect gays and transsexuals from housing and hiring discrimination, as well as from discrimination in public accommodations.
OneKalamazoo sent out this email to its supporters:
With only absentee ballots outstanding, 65 percent of Kalamazoo voters have approved Ordinance 1856 by a vote of 6,463 to 3,527, adding protections for gay and transgender people to the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance. This margin is larger than the number of outstanding absentee ballots that are currently being counted.
“I am elated with the outcome of the election,” says Yes on Ordinance 1856/One Kalamazoo Steering Committee member and local resident Janice Brown.
Congratulations to any Kossacks residing in Kalamazoo! You overcame some pretty ridiculous fear mongering, such as this stupid door hanger:
OMG! If we can't discriminate against gays, they'll go after our women in public restrooms!
>_>
Update: From the town newspaper, as of 9:45:
One Kalamazoo, the campaign committee pushing for the passage of the anti-discrimination ordinance in the city of Kalamazoo, is declaring victory.
With 15 of 19 precincts reporting, the yes votes have a 6,333 to 4,007 lead, according to unofficial tallies.
“Our campaign started with a very basic idea, and today voters confirmed that we are One Kalamazoo,” campaign manager Jon Hoadley said in a written statement issued at 9:07 p.m.
Update 2: As of 10:55:
With 19 of 19 precincts reporting the tally was 7,671 votes in favor to 4,731 votes against.
And that's all folks.