The University recently announced it will be offering a shuttle service on Election Day, Nov. 8, to transport students to polls. SafeRide vans will provide a continuous shuttle between the first-year housing area and University Hall from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., University Deputy spokesman Matthew Charles said.
“In addition to all regular route buses that already serve the polls at University Hall and Alumni Hall, U.Va. Parking and Transportation will operate a van-shuttle on Election Day that provides a link from the first-year dorm area to the [polling station] at University Hall,” Charles said in an email statement. “This shuttle is made possible by the Parents [Fund] Committee ... and the Center for Politics.”
The Center for Politics, Parents Fund Committee, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Department of Parking and Transportation, Student Council and several other CIOs have partnered to provide transportation to the polls.
Students who wish to vote on Election Day can gather at the pick-up location on the corner of Leake Drive and Alderman Road to catch the next available van to University Hall. Returning students can load at University Hall in the same location as the drop-off.
This change comes after various student groups wrote a letter to University Transit Service in October denouncing its decision not to provide transportation to students on Election Day.
Erich Reimer, Law student and political director for the U.Va. Law Republicans, said he supports the shuttle plan.
“I think it is applaudable that the University is looking at innovative and cost-effective ways to facilitate student engagement in the civic process,” Reimer said.
Other transportation options include CAR2Vote, an independent, nonpartisan service providing free rides to the polls for voters in Central Virginia. A CAR2Vote vehicle will be available without a reservation on Ruppell Drive from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
UBike, the University’s bike share program, will offer free two-day membership passes for those needing to use the service to get to the polls. Additionally, Yellow Cab is offering a $5 off special on Election Day for people riding to polls, and the UTS and Charlottesville Area Transit will provide service to polling locations near Grounds.
Student Council released a statement on its website announcing the shuttle service, emphasizing voting as a “quintessential component of democratic governance.”
“We are fortunate to attend a University that celebrates self-governance and has worked with students to ensure we will have transportation to the polls on Election Day,” the statement read. “Make a plan to get to your polling location and vote … It’s your voice, your choice, your vote.”
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