A new kind of VR drive

“LWVGC partners with Greenville Connects to bring voter registration to city’s bus riders.”

‘Meet people where they are’ is an often repeated catch phrase, but our League put it into practice on May 2nd with impressive results - both statistical and anecdotal.

Under the leadership of Susan D’Amato and Jean LePere, the voter services team partnered up with Greenville Connects to do a voter registration drive on the city’s buses.

In addition to signing up 28 new voters, the volunteers had many compelling interactions. One man said he couldn’t vote because ‘I have a record.’ We were able to explain his rights to him, to learn that he only had a misdemeanor conviction and not a felony, and, as such, was eligible to register. “And he did!,” Susan exclaimed.

Greenville Connects (GC) advertised voter registration with posters on the buses that included a QR code to register online for three weeks prior to the event. They had the potential of reaching 37,455 riders. They also waived the fare for the day.

“The day was a great success,” noted Jean LePere. “Twenty-eight people registered to vote who might otherwise have had limited opportunities. And the smiles on the faces of volunteers proved that the day was as enjoyable as it was productive.”

Susan estimates the 36 volunteers from both our League and GC, spoke to about 300 people, and distributed 128 League-designed handouts. We also some press coverage from WYFF and Fox Carolina.

“From a voter registration standpoint, we consider this a huge success,” Susan said. “At most community events we attend we get only a few registrations. To have helped 28 people, who might not otherwise have had easy access to registration, is very rewarding.”

The success of this collaboration was evident in the registration results, and the enthusiasm of the volunteers. Susan and Jean are hoping to repeat this event in the fall!

And Greenville Connects has also made Primary Election Day, June 11, a “fare-free” day on the city’s buses!

Photos courtesy of Laura Shelby, Greenville Connects, and Susan D’Amato.