"In this high-stakes election year it is more important than ever that all Americans, no matter their race, religion, economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity, have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We are proud to join forces with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the broad coalition of civil rights organizations committed to ensuring that the 2008 elections are conducted fairly and that no individual or community is disenfranchised."

With 46 days until Election Day and two weeks until the earliest voter registration deadlines, Election Protection launched its 2008 general election efforts to aid voters registering to vote, verifying their registration, confirming their polling place, and reporting any problems they may encounter. The election effort will include: a free, confidential and nonpartisan hotline (1-866-OUR VOTE) that will connect voters with problems or questions to legal experts who can offer impartial advice ads featuring actor and director Tyler Perry urging voters to use the hotline video, print and online advertising to make sure voters know where they can turn for confidential and accurate advice on voting automated calls to hundreds of thousands of voters nationwide, offering to connect them immediately to legal experts who can answer their questions and a comprehensive web resource at www.866ourvote.org featuring real time voter information and extensive instructions and advice on how voters can make sure their voices are heard.

"We thank HRC for participating in the largest coalition ever assembled to protect the rights of American voters," said Jonah H. Goldman, Director of the National Campaign for Fair Elections in the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law's Voting Rights Project. "HRC and the entire civil rights community have stepped up to make sure that all voters have the resources they need to be able to cast a meaningful ballot this election year."

Election Protection works throughout the year to break down barriers to the ballot box for traditionally disenfranchised communities and to provide resources to voters across the nation of all backgrounds. Election Protection administers the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline, which provides live assistance to individuals who have questions or need to report problems with voter registration or voting. The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice under law.

For information on Election Protection, visit www.866ourvote.org.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.