With less than a week before Election Day, and with the country seeing higher voter turnout than in recent elections, voters are planning how best to cast their ballot. Some residents who find it more difficult to get to their polling location include senior citizens, who often face obstacles like disabilities and lack of transportation.
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia (SSSEVA) and Coastal Ride aim reduce these issues and help seniors ensure their voices are heard. The two organizations are partnering together to provide free rides to the polls for Virginia seniors on Election Day.
"Access to the polls for a lot of people with disability of lack of transportation can be difficult," said Debbie Schwartz of SSSEVA. "We have been trying to respond to need." She said that her organization has served more than 3,000 meals a week to people during the pandemic, and now they want to provide a new service.
Schwartz said that only nine seniors have utilized the service so far, possibly due to the increased demand for mail-in ballots this election.
To get a free ride to the polls, seniors ages 60 and older can call 757-963-9218 to book a roundtrip ride by Friday, October 30. They can choose from two pickup times. To ensure the health and safety of some of the most vulnerable population, drivers and passengers will wear masks and a plexiglass divider will be placed between them.
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