Thursday, October 30, 2008

Transportation to the polls available!

Do you know how your constituents are getting to the polls?

Michigan 2-1-1 has partnered with the Michigan Nonprofit Association, of which LWVMI is a member, to provide information about free and low-cost rides to voting sites. We at Michigan Participation Project surveyed transportation authorities and nonprofits throughout the state to identify free rides for voters. There are available in some areas, but not all. In areas where free rides aren't offered, the 2-1-1 operators can direct folks to other low-cost transportation through their normal protocol.

It's easy - if you are serviced by a regional 2-1-1 call center, that's all folks need to dial. (You can pick up the phone and check yourself, or take a look at the attached coverage map.) If you don't have local 2-1-1 service you can call the statewide toll-free number for assistance: 1-800-552-1183.

Help us spread the word - make sure voters know about all the resources available to get them to the polls. The last thing we want to hear on November 5 is, "I wanted to vote, but I couldn't find a ride."

The Michigan Participation Project (MPP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative dedicated to expanding the role of Michigan's 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in voting and elections. We provide training, materials and other resources designed to help nonprofits integrate voter registration, voter education and voter mobilization work into their ongoing activities. Visit www.michparticipationproject.org today!