Riders on all three tri-county transit systems can board free starting Thursday, Sept. 24, to register to vote, cast a ballot or drop off an absentee application.
The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA), EATRAN and Clinton Transit announced the program in a joint press release Sept. 22. Free rides cover trips to voter registration sites, absentee ballot drop boxes, early voting locations and Election Day polling places across Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties through Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The only requirement: tell the bus driver you're going to register or vote when you board. No ID is needed.
How to ride
CATA fixed-route buses: Board any route and let the driver know you're heading to vote. CATA's online trip planner can help find the best route to a polling site or drop box. Questions can go to 517-394-1000.
CATA Rydz: Redeem promo code FreeRydzNov26 in the app for one free round-trip ride between Sept. 24 and Nov. 3. Zone restrictions apply.
CATA demand-response (Spec-Tran, Rural Service, Redi-Ride): Call the Paratransit Office at 517-394-2282. Spec-Tran trips must be booked by 5 p.m. the day before. Same-day Rural Service trips can be scheduled up to four hours ahead. CATA recommends booking Delhi and Meridian Redi-Ride trips at least one day in advance.
EATRAN: Reserve free trips at least one day ahead by calling 517-543-4087. Scheduling hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clinton Transit: Call 989-224-8127 or use the Clinton Transit mobile app at least a day in advance. Scheduling hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Key election dates
Michigan's absentee voting period opened Thursday, Sept. 24, according to The Arab American News. The deadline to register online or by mail is Monday, Oct. 19. After that, residents must register in person at their local clerk's office, which is allowed through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Early in-person voting runs Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Polls on Election Day are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For sample ballots, polling sites and drop box locations, residents can visit michigan.gov/vote or their local clerk's website. More details on the free-ride program are available at cata.org/Vote. The nearest deadline for riders planning ahead is Oct. 19, the last day to register online or by mail.
