One by one, in cities and states around the country, gay civil rights ordinances are being put before the voters. Some of the most important work in the gay movement involves the organizing done around these elections. When such a law appeared on the ballot in Eugene, Oregon, both the New Right and the progressive forces turned out in full force. Soon after the polls closed, gay rights advocates found that they had lost. It Could Happen to You was written by five people who were active in that campaign. It provides a chronicle of what they did, and why, and what they learned from their efforts. The lessons here will be invaluable for others involved in similar electoral campaigns.