Laketran strongly believes every resident should have access to vote and will continue their Vote & Ride program for the fall general election allowing residents to ride the bus free to vote.

Lake County residents can take Laketran’s Local Routes or schedule a door-to-door Dial-a-Ride starting October 6 to vote early at the Lake County Board of Elections or to their polling location on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

“At Laketran, we believe transportation should not be a barrier to vote and we know that we are uniquely positioned to help get people to the polls,” shared Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “Exercising your right to vote is one of the most important roles an individual can play in their community and if someone is unable to get to their polling location because they do not drive or cannot afford the bus fare, we want them to be comfortable to call Laketran so we can get them there.”

Early voting begins Tuesday, October 6 and includes the two Saturdays, two Sundays, and the Monday before Election Day at the Lake County Board of Elections.

Polling locations in Lake County are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on November 3.

Residents who prefer to take Laketran’s Local Routes 1-9 simply need to inform their bus driver when they board that they are going to vote or just voted and the trip will be free. To vote early, Laketran Routes 1, 4, 5, and 9 directly serve the downtown Painesville Transfer Center adjacent to the Board of Elections at 105 Main Street, Ste 107.

Dial-a-Ride, Laketran’s door-to-door service for seniors and people with disabilities, will also provide rides to early voting or polling locations at no charge and requires a reservation 1 to 12 business days in advance. To schedule a Dial-a-Ride reservation, call Laketran Customer Service at 440-354-6100.

Residents can also ride Laketran free to bring their absentee ballots to the Lake County Board of Elections.

“The Board of Elections applauds Laketran’s decision to offer free rides to the polling locations on Election Day. Many Lake County residents rely on their services to help get them to and from doctors’ appointments or their employers. We view the voting process as something just as vital to the everyday lives of our residents, so we are pleased Laketran is continuing with this program,” remarked Lake County Board of Elections Director, Ross McDonald.

For early voting times or to find your voting location, contact the Lake County Board of Elections at 440-350-2700 or visit their website at https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/lakeelections/.