Driving Democracy: Do You Need a Ride to the Polls on Election Day? Can You Help?

Need a ride to your polling place on Election Day, Nov. 6?

Candidates and county political parties are available to help in both Polk and Dallas Counties.

If you need a ride, let your neighbors know in our comments section. If you can provide a ride, volunteer in comments!

Polk County

The county's Republican headquarters is coordinating with the Mitt Romney campaign to give voters a lift to their polling locations, said Darrell Kearney, finance director for the Polk County GOP. 

"We've always offered rides on Election Day for people who don't have a vehicle," Kearney said. "Usually, it's elderly voters."

Polk County residents can call 280-6438 and give their name, phone number and address. Volunteers will contact residents to work out a list of those needing rides on Election Day. 

Kearney estimated that in past election years they received about 25 or 30 calls.

"But every vote counts, so we want to make sure to help people to the polls," he said.

Michael Hunt with the Obama campaign in Iowa said the county Democratic parties are overseeing the effort to give voters rides to polling places. The Polk County Democrats can be reached by their website or at 285-1800.

Dallas County

Dallas County Democratic Party chairman Dale Creech said any resident who needs a ride on Nov. 6 can call him at (515) 491-9794. The party has no organized program since there is little demand for the service.

"With the emphasis on early voting that takes care of most of it," Creech said. "Early voting and satellite voting is going on now. Anyone who anticipates difficulty getting to the polls on election day should take advantage of (satellite voting).

Mike Elam with the Dallas County Republican Party said they will provide rides to the polls for anyone who needs assistance on Election Day. Call Elam directly at (515) 333-2244, or email him at chair@dallascountygop.org.

The party can set up rides in advance, or residents can contact local GOP leaders on Election Day.

"We will send a volunteer to pick them up and take them to their local polling location," Elam said. "Most of our volunteers will be from within the respective precincts, so it will truly be neighbors helping neighbors."

Early Voting Times, Locations

The Urbandale Public Library location for early voting wraps up Saturday. You can cast your ballot there from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 27.

Early voting continues through Nov. 5 Polk County auditor's office, 120 Second Ave., Suite A, in Des Moines. Hours for in-person voting there are:

• Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dallas County residents can cast your vote at the Dallas County elections office, 910 Court St., in Adel. Hours for the early polls there are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m through Nov. 5.