Community Efforts Ensure Access to Polls Ahead of Election Day in Nashville

Community Lends a Helping Hand to Get Voters to the Polls in Nashville

As Election Day approaches, the spirit of community service is alive and well in Nashville. Many local organizations and businesses have come together to ensure everyone has the chance to exercise their right to vote. It’s heartwarming to see such enthusiasm for a civic duty that unites us all.

Instilling the Importance of Voting

Jenean Davis, who vividly recalls her childhood experiences of going to the polls with her parents, is spearheading these efforts as the president of a local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She feels that voting is a significant part of our civic responsibility. “We want to just make sure that everyone who has that opportunity to do that does that and is able to,” she shared. Jenean’s passion for civic engagement is not just personal but rooted in a desire to empower others.

A Collaborative Effort

Her chapter has teamed up with several other organizations, including the Nashville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, the Nashville Branch of the NAACP, and four local churches. Together, they are offering free rides to the polls for those who need it. This initiative shines a light on the importance of making voting accessible to everyone, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors and college students.

How It Works

If you or someone you know needs a ride to the polls, it’s as easy as making a phone call to 615-329-0999. The team on the other end will ask a few questions to get you all set up for your ride. The NAACP branch on Jefferson Street will serve as the central hub from which volunteers will dispatch vans to pick up voters on Election Day.

Volunteers will be on hand in the transportation vans to ensure everyone gets on and off safely and to check that voters have what they need for a successful trip—like their ID, which is the only requirement to vote in Tennessee. It’s comforting to know that this group is taking steps to ensure that every voter feels supported and confident in their journey to the polls.

Targeted Pick-Up Points

To maximize their impact, they’ve identified certain primary pick-up points across Nashville. Folks can find designated pick-up spots at places like Vine Hill Studio Apartments, Hadley Park Towers, Napier Place, Preston Taylor, Edgehill Manor, Madison Towers, Metro Center Teacher Apartments, Kelly Miller Smith, and the Ghertner Studio Apartments. By targeting these areas, the initiative is striving to remove barriers for those who often face challenges with transportation.

Breaking Down Barriers

With the intention of eliminating any hurdles that might stop someone from voting, Jenean explained, “We believe nothing should come in the way of someone exercising their right to vote—not even lack of transportation.” This sentiment resonates with many and is a reminder of how important it is to ensure every voice is heard and every vote is counted.

Key Details for Voters

As a friendly reminder, polls will open at 7 a.m. on Election Day and close at 7 p.m.. If you plan to head out to vote, make sure you have your ID ready and reach out for that free ride if you need it.

It’s wonderful to witness the community come together in such a meaningful way. There’s a shared belief that every vote counts, and with these efforts, Nashville is proving that they’re committed to making voting accessible for everyone. Let’s all do our part and show up to vote!