As the election approaches, students on campus are facing a significant hurdle: how to get to the polls. Many students lack personal transportation and public transit options are often insufficient, which can halt students’ ability to vote.
Without personal vehicles, students rely heavily on ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. However, these options can be prohibitively expensive, particularly for those on tight student budgets.
Carpooling is another potential solution, but it requires careful coordination and is not always suitable for everyone.
Senior Emily Stump is a registered voter from Spencer County. Stump said although she does not have a car to drive herself to the polls, she finds alternatives.
“This election is very important,” Stump said. “I have friends who I plan on riding with to the polls.”
The absence of a car also means students must navigate their schedules to find time to vote. Between part-time jobs, full-time jobs, and extracurricular activities, finding a window to travel to a polling location can be difficult.
Sophomore Ashton Whaley is a registered voter from Hodgenville, Kentucky. Whaley said that because he doesn’t have a car, he doesn’t have an alternative to get to the voting polls.
While early voting and absentee ballots offer alternatives, students need to be well-informed about these options and meet the necessary deadlines.
Local organizations can provide support by offering information on voting options and organizing shuttle services to polling locations. These measures can help ensure all students, regardless of their transportation situation, have the opportunity to participate in the voting process.
Political science professor Scott Lasley from Bowling Green said that an election day trolley will be available for students who are experiencing transportation problems to voting polls.
The pickup locations include Bowling Green Towers, Cherry Hall, First Baptist Church, La Luz Del Mundo, Parker Bennett Community Center and State Street Baptist Church. The shuttle will make these stops 10 minutes after the hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For information on the bus system, click here.