MICHIGAN (WNEM) – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson shared a list of transportation agencies that will offer free and discounted rides to the polls on Election Day.

The the list is produced by MichiganVoting.org and shows partisan political organizations and businesses offering free and discounted travel to polling places and early voting locations.

“It is important that transportation does not stand in the way of any eligible Michigan citizen and their access to the ballot box,” Benson said. “I’m glad lawmakers worked to lift the ban on rides to polling places and thankful for the organizations that have stepped up to provide transportation for citizens who need it to vote. These services will be critical for many, especially seniors citizens and voters with disabilities, to ensure that all eligible voters can make their voice heard in this election.”

Transportation agencies, such as the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) in Lansing, will offer system-wide free rides through Nov. 5 for all voters who need to register to vote, participate in early voting and bring their ballot to a drop box or polling place. Riders simply need to inform the bus driver upon boarding of their intention to participate in voter-related activities.

“The Capital Area Transportation Authority has been providing free rides on Election Day since 1988, and we’ve worked hard to build on that legacy over the past few years,” said Nathan Triplett, CATA’s board chairman. constitutional right to cast an early vote in every statewide and federal election, the value of public transportation in promoting greater voter participation, and improving fairness and access to the ballot box for all eligible voters, became more significant than ever before. Our core competency – providing safe and reliable transport to the public – is particularly important to those who do not have or cannot afford transport. Transport must never be an obstacle to participating in democracy.”

In mid-Michigan, the Saginaw Transit Authority and Regional Services (STARS) offers free travel on election day. It will provide free rides on fixed routes for all riders, whether to vote or not.

Free STARS LIFT rides to the polls will be available to Gold Card holders as well as those 60 and older. To schedule your free LIFT ride to vote, call STARS LIFT at 989-753-9526 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Rides must be booked at least one business day in advance, STARS said.

In Isabella County, I-Ride offering rides to early voting locations from October 30 through Sunday November 3. It also offers rides to polling stations on Election Day, November 5. You can request a ride by calling 989-772-9441. Voters are encouraged to call 24 hours in advance.

The listing also said Flint churches also offered free tours. You can request a ride by calling 810-955-4495 or 810-282-3067.

Carpooling company Lift offers a 50% discount on a trip to or from the polling station on election day. Use the code VOTE24. Uber is also offering US riders 50% off travel to their polling place up to $10 when they use the new “Go Vote” tab to book a ride. Paid transportation to the polling stations is possible because of the voting rights bill HB 4568, which lifted the ban on hiring transport for rides to the polling stations.

Eligible residents who still need to register to vote in the general election must now do so in person. Michigan law prohibits online and mail-in registration within 14 days of an election. Those who register in person can request, complete and submit an absentee ballot in the same visit to their clerk.

VisitMichigan.gov/Votefor more information on elections and voting.

Subscribe to TV5 newsletter and get the latest local news and weather delivered straight to your email every day.

Copyright 2024 WNEM. All rights reserved.