Tuesday is Election Day, but what happens if you have trouble getting to your polling place? The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) could give you a lift.
“We do not want to have people prevented in any way to vote, and that’s our mission as B-PEP,” said CEO Tim Stevens.
The non-partisan group is willing to give anyone who lives in the Bloomfield, East Hills, East Liberty, Garfield, Hill District, Homewood, Manchester and the North Side neighborhoods in the city of Pittsburgh as well as Braddock, McKeesport and Wilkinsburg, a ride to vote if they need it. To schedule a pick-up, or see if you are eligible for a ride, call (412)4340919.
B-PEP will also station volunteers to observe any voting irregularities.
“We try to record anything that we think should be reported to the election bureau so they can be conscious of it for the next election cycle,” said Stevens.
Only first time voters must present their ID’s, but Stevens says the poll watchers will be on lookout for any problems that could arise from lingering confusion about the former Voter ID law.
“This is a non-partisan effort. It has always been and will always be. So it’s for anyone from any party, including independents and anyone else, who has an issue with what’s going on at the polls on Election Day,” said Stevens.
B-PEP is still in need of volunteers to help watch the polls. Those looking to volunteer can call (724)241-8772. Anyone who experiences issues while voting can call the voter hotline 1-866-687-8683 to get help resolving the issue through the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
