Did you know that in the last presidential election it’s estimated that more than 15 million eligible voters didn’t go to the polls in large part because transportation was a barrier?
No matter how you plan to vote this year--in-person absentee or in-person on Election Day, don't let transportation be the reason you don't make it to the polls! Now's the time to make sure that transportation is part of your voting plan.
KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING:
First and foremost, find your Polling Station!
If you plan on voting in-person on Tuesday, November 3, find your polling station through this scvotes.org
Early Absentee In-Person Voting Locations
You may vote absentee in person up until 5 p.m. on the day before the election. Rules for photo ID required to vote at the polling place apply.
Legislation was signed into law on September 16, 2020, that allows all voters to qualify for absentee voting under the “State of Emergency” reason for the November 3, 2020 General Election.
For more information on Absentee Voting, check out our blogpost, here.
FIND TRANSPORTATION:
If you need free transportation to your polling location the following organizations and people are offering rides:
Shandon Presbyterian Election Connection:
Offering transportation to the polls for underserved communities and those in need in Richland County. To inquire, call or text 803-792-7772, or email spc.election.connection@gmail.com.
The North Columbia Voter Registration Coalition:
Offering transportation to the polls for residents of the 29203-zip code area. If you need a ride, call Deacon Wallace Brown at 803-608-2332 or Deacon Charles Washington at 803-210-5963.
The SC Democratic Party:
Offering “Ride to the Polls Hotline.” To schedule your ride, call 803-626-9984.
Richland County Republican Party:
Chair Eaddy Roe Willard is offering rides to those in need. Call 803-446-3105 or the State Party at 803-988-8440.
The Comet:
Thanks to funding from the CARES Act, the COMET will continue to run fare free up to and beyond election day until further notice. The COMET can also take riders to their precinct on election day, November 3. Riders can plan their trip by downloading and using the Transit App. For more information regarding routes, please visit www.catchthecomet.org/routes or call us at 803.255.7100.
You can also find a map of routes to the satellite locations for in-person absentee voting, here.
DART “Dial-A-RideTransit”:
Richland County Public Transport for the elderly and people with disabilities. To inquire call 803-255-7123.
Harbison Wheels:
Free transportation for Seniors or people with disabilities in the Harbison area. To inquire, call Bill Ackerman at (803) 732-0454.
Senior Express of Columbia:
Free for seniors only. To inquire, call (803) 926-7933 or visit Seniorexpressusa.com
If you need support or reasonable accommodations related to transportation, please contact each provider individually to check availability or reach out to Able SC here for additional resources and information.
Other free or reduced cost options for scheduling a ride to your polling station:
GreatCall:
For senior citizens, GreatCall has partnered with Lyft, which allows users to simply press zero on their Jitterbug phones to speak to an operator, who will request a ride on their behalf.
Uber:
In efforts to reduce barriers to voters, Uber has an in-app poll-finding feature to help voters locate their polling station and is offering 50% off roundtrip rides to and from the polls (up to $7 each trip). Check out Uber’s website and app for more details and promo codes.
Lyft:
Lyft is providing 50% off or up to $5 off rides across the country to people heading to the polls. Access Lyft’s promo codes here. The company is also providing free rides to underserved communities “that face significant obstacles to transportation” through nonpartisan, nonprofit partners, including local Urban League affiliates; the National Federation of the Blind; Faith in Action; League of Women Voters; the Student Vets of America; and Voto Latino.
Questions? Check out more information on voting as well as civic engagement resources and recommendations from our staff, here.
