Like every year, phxPRIDE offered a celebration of the LGBTQ+ communities, advocating self-expression, camaraderie, and acceptance—but this year came with a noticeable effort to encourage everyone to vote.

Representatives for political parties, candidates, and supporters attended, and advocates of LGBTQ+ rights and priorities were visible in both the parade and the festival. By far, the most prominent signs of support were for Kamala Harris. Attendees proudly raised their “Out for Harris Walz” signs, which were being handed out, and some parade-goers wore pro-voting and “Harris Walz” apparel.

After the parade on Sunday, as the festival was kicking into gear, the emcee on the main stage took a few minutes to stress the importance of voting before the first entertainment act of the day, stating, “When we vote, we win.”

The Democratic Party, known as an ally of the LGBTQ community, had a prominent presence, with volunteers providing guests with voting guides and representatives giving out information and answering questions.

Eric Limbs, the deputy executive director of the Maricopa County Democratic Party, explained that the Maricopa County Democratic Party has an LGBTQ+ committee that spearheaded their booth at the festival, with the goal of promoting the 10 Maricopa County Democratic candidates on this year’s ballot, who are “supporters, friends, and strongly aligned with the LGBTQ community,” ensuring people are aware and encouraging them to vote for those candidates.

Several vendors showcased their support for Democrats by selling merchandise promoting Democratic candidates and policies. Brick Road House Coffee, a queer-owned coffee shop in Tempe and an official partner of the Harris Walz campaign, displayed a Harris Walz sign at the front of their vendor booth.

Co-owner Gabe Hagen said he aims to “create accessible ways for people to get information and [get] involved” and emphasized the importance of ensuring that people who may not have resources or who feel intimidated by voting have a safe community space to participate.

Brick Road House Coffee has hosted voting events, including the “Early Voting Friendship Bracelet Party” and “Ballots & Bracelet Party.”

The Log Cabin Republicans of Phoenix were also at phxPRIDE, urging the public to use their voice to facilitate the change they want to see.

Early voting has already begun, and the last day to mail voting ballots is Tuesday, Oct. 29. Election Day is Nov. 5, and voting polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.