How to Coordinate Rides to the Polls
Civic engagement groups that provide free rides to the election polls add at least three benefits to their total voter engagement program. Primarily, and most obviously, rides are an excellent way to boost the number of voters in historically low-turnout polling locations.
Generally, the voters who typically need rides to the polls include the elderly, people with disabilities, the working poor and/or homeless individuals who do not live or work within walking distance from their registered jurisdiction. The free rides offered by civic engagement groups may be the only opportunity for that person to get to the polls and vote. Occasionally, first time voters request rides because they either don’t know their polling location or they want someone to accompany them and to affirmation their first voting experience. Each ride to the poll has a compelling story that is a powerful tool for further volunteer engagement. Everyone remembers taking a first time voter to the polls, and the volunteer will identify that positive experience with the civic engagement group. Finally, successfully promoting the ride service also promotes the voter engagement organization.
A successful ride program requires three elements: people who need rides, volunteer drivers with safe and reliable cars, and an organized ride coordinator who is familiar with the local geography. This document assumes that the ride coordinator completes or delegates all of the tasks outlined in this document.
First, draft a document that clearly identifies the program’s specific goals. Consider the number of ride requests, the location of those requests, and the number of volunteers required. Then identify all of the volunteer needs. In some cases, you may even want to write job descriptions for volunteers that have significant leadership roles.
Once you know your volunteer needs, then you must promote those needs at every opportunity. Incorporate volunteer outreach into community and organizational meetings, festivals, and other gatherings. Seek out volunteers through canvass operations, Public Service Announcements (radio, TV and the online), relevant blogs, social networks, listservs, and bulletin boards (both traditional cork boards and online postings). Approach your network of allies, community groups, and local businesses. Spread the gospel of Election Day volunteerism so that every phone has a caller, every clipboard has a hand, and every ride has a driver.
As volunteers come forward, it is essential to maintain clear, detailed and updated records. Show their contact information including cell phone number and email address. Ask how they learned about the volunteer opportunity and note for what job they volunteered. For ride program volunteers find out what time they are available on Election Day, how many seats their car holds, if they have special tools or skills (such as a GPS device), needs (cannot drive after sundown), or peeves (does not like children). Consider partnering with a disability rights group that has access to a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
It is helpful to host a few driver trainings to review Election Day expectations and voting rights and election protection procedures. Prepare driver information packets that include voter protection information, maps of the driving region, information about the civic engagement group, and a flyer about the group’s next event after Election Day. Also include a memo that reminds drivers to wear weather appropriate clothes, bring their cell phone, GPS device, and other useful tools. Suggest that they share something about themselves with the riders to help spur conversation. Bring a camera for documentation purposes, a cooler with water and snacks (in some cases this is an opportunity to feed someone who does not eat on a regular basis), reading materials and folding chairs — in anticipation of long voting lines.
Rides are typically requested through phone and door-to-door voter education canvasses, community groups such as senior centers, and ally organizations. Ride request forms should include space for the following information: The rider’s name, phone or other contact information, registration address, pick up location, number of people being picked up, two hour time range for the pick up, and the poll location. Finally, the request form should list the lead coordinator’s name, mobile number, and meet-up address. Quality control is essential. Use online, government databases to confirm that each request comes from a registered voter. If any problems arise it will be identified and solved before Election Day.
Next, print out a Google map that shows directions from the voter pick up location to the polling place and, in some cases, the drop off location if it’s different from the pick up. Make a copy of the completed ride request form and map. One copy will go out with the driver while to other one will stay with the ride coordinator.
The Monday before Election Day, organize the requests by pickup time slot. Within each time slot group the requests by either the pick up point, polling location, and/or drop off point (geographic familiarity is very useful at this point). Set aside rides with special instructions for drivers who have the ability to support those special requests. Identify a support ride coordinator for Election Day who can help verify voter information and print out maps when the lead coordinator is absorbed with other duties. However every leader should know how to fill out and verify the ride request forms.
It is best that volunteers come to the Election Day meeting spot to receive their first batch of rides. Give each driver either a batch of five to seven “easy” rides requests or three to five “special” ride requests with particular notes. Write the driver’s name and mobile phone number on the ride request copy that will stay with the coordinator. This will be very helpful when troubleshooting problems that arise when drivers are on the road.
Sometime between the Wednesday after Election Day and the following Monday, document the outcome of the ride program and thank all volunteers. Also hold a debrief with the staff and (if possible) the lead volunteers. Talk about what worked, what could be done better, and assign next steps. Write it all down and refer to it next Election Day so that the program constantly improves. Finally, share all of your Election Day outcomes with members, volunteers, coalition partners, funders, and the media.
When coordinating a ride program, flexibility is key. Pairing riders and drivers is an art, not a science. However, instituting a good system will almost organically pair the riders and drivers. A successful ride to the polls program will boost voter turnout. It will also increase the voter engagement group’s name recognition and mission with potential volunteers, community leaders, the media, civic engagement funders and most important, the people the program directly serves.
Maude D. Bauschard
Political Organizer
Mobile: 202-256-2446
Web: http://www.Maude-Bauschard.info
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* Field & online program management
* Research & writing for grassroots audiences
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