We applaud local resident Robert Pinhero for his plan to help get people without transportation to the polls.
As we reported Wednesday, the educational and training consultant started a GoFundMe page this week to raise money for people who want to vote but do not have access to transportation. To donate, visit gofundme.com/bus-fare-to-polls-on-election-day. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 5.
The money raised would help pay riders’ bus or cab fares Nov. 6. Pinhero also is seeking volunteers to drive people to the polls on Election Day.
“I know from experience that a lot of people are registered to vote but either don’t have any access to extra money or are too far away from a bus stop to walk there, for a variety of reasons like health reasons,” he said. “I just think it’s important for everybody to exercise their right to vote. It’s important to our democracy and for people becoming civically engaged.”
Will the initiative result in bringing more minorities to the polls? Hopefully. More women? Hopefully them too. Seniors? Yes, them too. Middle-aged white men? Yes, hopefully we’ll increase their presence as well.
The more people who vote, the better off our community — and our country — will be in the long run. Our Republic thrives on our ability to elect our government leaders, which, by extension, requires our responsibility to vote.
Pinhero decided to offer the service after the Jefferson City Public Works and Planning Committee decided last week not to offer free JeffTran rides on Election Day. The loss of revenue would have been $2,000-$2,500.
The city’s bus system recently had its annual “ride free” day. Perhaps in the future, the city can consider pairing the annual day with the election day. It still gets people to the polls, while also serving the purpose of drawing attention to the bus system and getting local residents to try it.
Pinhero isn’t restricting his rides to any particular party, and he’s not lobbying for any issue or candidates. He just wants people to vote.
We hope he succeeds.
News Tribune