In 1980, I voted for the first time in a Presidential election. I’d missed being able to vote in the 1976 election by just five months. I turned 18, the legal age to vote, in April 1977. Voting is a big deal in my family. One of my earliest memories is tagging along with my mom as she pulled the curtain shut in the voting booth and pulled lots of levers. More than likely it was 1964 when Johnson defeated Goldwater.
For my first Presidential election, my excitement was tempered; the polling place in the basement of a nearby church was not wheelchair accessible. So, I voted by absentee ballot. It wasn’t until 1988, waiting in line at the neighborhood Par 3 golf course to vote for Michael Dukakis, that I felt like a real citizen voting for a President along side my neighbors.
Today, by law, polling places are accessible. However, for people with disabilities getting to and from the polls still is often a challenge. People with disabilities are 20 percent less likely to vote than citizens without disabilities. A big barrier is lack of transportation.
A group of Twin Cities nonprofits is working to close this voting gap. For the second straight national election day, the Minnesota Participation Project is offering free, accessible Rides to the Polls to people with disabilities in the Twin Cities. The rides include eight accessible minivans targeted for transporting people who use wheelchairs.
This unique, nonpartisan coalition is coordinated by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits with support from Courage Center, Merrick Inc. and Arc Greater Twin Cities to name just a few.
Call 1-877-50-RIDES (7-4337) or e-mail jeff@mncn.org to schedule a ride. Trained volunteer drivers will assist at pick up and drop off if required. Rides are available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Twin Cities metro area.
Volunteer drivers also needed
We need volunteers drivers to make the project a success. The deadline to sign up is this Friday, Oct. 15. Check this link to learn more about training dates or to sign up to volunteer for a 3.5 hour driving shift on November 2.
Find out more at www.mnparticipationproject.org
