Need a ride to the polls?
George Copeland Jr. | 10/21/2021, 11:25 a.m.
Need a ride to the polls to vote? Local and national groups are again providing options.
The Richmond Branch NAACP is teaming with churches and other groups as part of the “Souls to the Polls” initiative to offer rides on Sunday, Oct. 24, and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Information: Project Give Back to the Community, (804) 201-7701, a central telephone number that several groups are using to connect with voters.
That includes Operation Stamp the Vote, an initiative of New Life Deliverance Tabernacle and the Commonwealth Consortium. Rides are being offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 10 a.m. The operation requires riders to wear face masks.
The Radio One Poll Patrol also is providing free rides to Richmond voter sites between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through Thursday, Oct. 28. Contact: (804) 501-0415.
The Central Virginia Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute also will provide transportation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 2. Call (804) 228-1744.
The Henrico Branch NAACP generally is referring people to other resources, but will step in if there is no else. Contact the branch: (804) 404- 9713 or email, Henrico.NAACP@gmail.com
All involved “are engaged, they are energized,” said James E. “J.J.” Minor III, president of the Richmond Branch NAACP. He hopes the initiative will encourage more people to vote.
Requests for rides also may be made to RideShare2Vote, a national organization that has mobilized in several states, includ- ing Virginia. However, rides are not available in all Virginia cities and counties. Check the organization’s website at www.rides2vote.com or call (888) 977-2250. Requests should be made at least two hours before pick-up time.