Georgia Mortuary Gives Rides to the Polls in a Limo
Rideshare2Vote was in Georgia for the Senate runoffs, increasing voter turnout with their free rides to the polls program. This election cycle, the organization had help from a local mortuary to get a group of voters from senior living apartments to the polls.
Mamie Leverett of the Park View at Coventry Station Senior Living called Rideshare2Vote for a ride to the polls and wanted to know if a larger group could be taken. The organization received a contact from the Georgia Democrats voter protection hotline that a mortuary was willing to use their limousine to bring voters to the polls. Rideshare2Vote contacted Garrison Ushery and his mom Phoebe of the Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, who were willing to drive this group of seniors to the polls.
Mamie Leverett said, “Driving in a limo was a beautiful experience she had never had before. We drove up, and the driver backed right up to the polling location, and people were taking pictures of us like we were important.” She explained how incredible the driver was and what good care he took of us, especially helping the one woman with a walker out of the car. Mamie was so thankful for the mortuary and Rideshare2Vote. “Rideshare2Vote has made it easier for us to vote as without this service, we would have had to catch a ride with someone or take a bus. It is a beautiful thing as more people can get out and vote.” Mamie explained that the drivers even took a second group.
When asked why it was so important to Mamie to vote and get others to vote, she explained that she is an advocate for seniors and feels that seniors need a lot more help, so having the proper representation in the Senate is essential.
It was an honor for Rideshare2Vote to be part of the incredible win in Georgia!
Rideshare2Vote specifically reaches out to communities that have been disenfranchised from voting, low propensity voters who are either voting for the first time or do not vote in every election, people with disabilities, and older adults and youth. We are working to remove transportation as a barrier that stands in the way of anyone casting their vote.
Rideshare2Vote is gearing up for elections in 2023 and beyond and welcomes new volunteers.
by Colleen Toumayan
