To the Polls We Go…And Volunteers Are Driving
This year, even with more people using absentee ballots they have requested, or mail-in ballots sent to everyone on a jurisdiction’s voter rolls, many American citizens still enjoy the ritual of going to the polling place on Election Day. For those who cannot drive there themselves or have easy access to public transportation, volunteers are stepping up.
One in five of these voters lives in a rural area, where the distance between home and the polls can be many miles. Whatever the distance, nonprofit organizations such as Shepherd’s Centers, Village To Village Network, National Volunteer Caregiving Network and many others will have volunteer drivers ready to roll on November 3.
The National Volunteer Transportation Center has a map showing just how many known volunteer-based transportation programs there are, nationwide, that help provide mobility for older persons, those with disability issues, and others who don’t have access to other transportation. Year-round, volunteers provide transportation for shopping, visitation, medical appointments, entertainment, and many other activities. Even with COVID-19, these programs have found ways to maintain at least some services. On Election Day, they will be helping fellow citizens exercise the privilege of voting in a national election.
VIS, in cooperation with the National Volunteer Transportation Center, has developed the first (and still only) online, self-paced vehicle safety training program specifically designed for volunteer drivers. It is free, for nonprofit organizations and all their volunteer drivers, with a VIS membership. VIS also offers excess automobile liability insurance — providing protection in the event a volunteer causes an accident while on assignment and the liability limits of his or her personal auto insurance policy are insufficient for the damage done.
About VIS
Volunteers Insurance Service Association, Inc. (VIS) was established in 1972 for the purpose of providing insurance and risk management services for volunteer-based organizations. In addition to still providing these insurance services today on a nationwide scale, we have expanded to provide noninsurance resources for members to manage their risks and improve their operations. By transferring the volunteer risk exposure to our program, we can help you protect your organization. Contact us today at (800) 222-8920 for more information on our programs and services. Join now!
