Early voting started Saturday, which for many students releases the time constraints of having to go to the polls Nov. 6. But it still doesn’t solve the issue of how to get there.
For those having trouble with transportation, Gators for Obama is providing shuttle services from Turlington Plaza and the Reitz Union Colonnade.
Co-chairwoman Rachel McGovern, a 20-year-old political science junior, said cars run about every half hour until 7:30 p.m. each evening. She said students can schedule a ride by filling out a reservation ticket, but scheduling a ride isn’t required.
Jenna Goldman, a 19-year-old UF political science sophomore, said she’s taking advantage of the service because she wants to avoid the Election Day rush, and the shuttle is the most convenient way to get there early.
“It’s going to be crazy on Tuesday,” she said. “I’m not very good at taking buses. I don’t have a car, and it’s cold outside.”
While rides from campus can be handy, students aren’t the only ones in need of assistance getting to the polls, said Duane Gildea, chairman of events and services for the Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee.
“There are people who are limited in transportation for a number of different reasons,” Gildea said.
He said other organizations are targeting minority community areas and areas where precincts have been moved farther away from neighborhoods.
He said some local funeral homes have even offered their limousines to help drive voters back and forth.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw someone pulling a cart with people loaded on it to the polls,” Gildea said. “It’s at that level now.”
Associate political science professor Michael Scicchitano said particular parties — or organizations associated with them — offering shuttle services shouldn’t affect participants’ decisions once they get inside the voting booth.
“They have the right to vote, and we’re just getting them there,” he said.
Sociology freshman Rocquel Bobson, 18, mirrored that mindset.
“It really doesn’t matter what bus you get in, as long as you vote,” she said. “Your vote is private. In the end, no one really knows who you’re going to vote for.”
