Rob McDowell wants to see more LGBT people visiting polling stations and seeking public office.

That’s why McDowell, who ran for city council with the Non-Partisan Association in 2014, founded the Vancouver Rainbow Election Squad with Sabina Denton and Rachaal Steele in the run-up to the October 19 federal election.

V-RES is inviting all federal candidates in Vancouver ridings to a “meet and greet” at Tavern at the New Oxford (1141 Hamilton Street) on the evening of September 30.

“It’s a very casual event,” McDowell told the Georgia Straight by phone from Yaletown. “I think you see, with the all-candidates events, everyone is fairly partisan. This event will be focused on new voters and people who are not completely aware or comfortable with politics.”

According to McDowell, who is a member of the city’s LGBTQ2+ advisory committee, a top issue is federal funding for a new LGBT community centre in Vancouver. He said other key issues are housing for LGBT seniors and legislation to protect the rights of transgender people.

McDowell noted that V-RES hopes to put on a campaign school for prospective LGBT candidates for the next provincial and municipal elections.