Mississippi voters who submitted affidavit ballots in the recent election now have a new option to get to their county clerk’s office: VoteRiders, a nonpartisan organization, is arranging free rides for anyone who needs assistance confirming their identification.
Why rides are needed
Affidavit ballots require voters to appear in person at the county clerk’s office to prove their identity before the ballot can be counted. Many voters are unaware of this step, and the volume of affidavits filed after the election has created a bottleneck. Jessica Carter, a spokesperson for VoteRiders, explained that the organization’s goal is to make the cure process as easy as possible for Mississippians who want their votes counted.
What VoteRiders offers
VoteRiders focuses on free ID assistance. The group helps people obtain the proper identification documents, covers any associated costs, and provides legal guidance to complete the required forms. In addition to these services, the organization is now coordinating transportation for voters who lack reliable travel options.
How to request a ride
Anyone who needs a ride to their county clerk’s office can call VoteRiders at 866‑432‑8683. The service is open to all voters who have filed an affidavit ballot and need to appear before the deadline, which is Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m.
Community partnership
Carter emphasized that VoteRiders is not acting alone. “It’s not VoteRiders just coming in and doing a bunch of stuff,” she said. “We’re partnering with folks that are on the ground already, that have been doing this work in Mississippi for a long time. We’re partnering with them to make sure that the information gets where it needs to go, to the voters.” This collaboration underscores a broader community effort to protect voting rights and ensure that every eligible Mississippian can participate fully in the democratic process.
Importance of curing affidavit ballots
Affidavit ballots are a vital tool for voters who cannot vote in person on Election Day, but they must be cured—verified—by the deadline to count. By providing transportation, VoteRiders helps remove a logistical barrier that could otherwise disenfranchise voters, especially those in rural areas or without personal vehicles.
Next steps for voters
Mississippi voters who have filed an affidavit ballot should verify whether they have already scheduled a visit to the clerk’s office. If transportation is a concern, they are encouraged to contact VoteRiders promptly to arrange a ride before the Nov. 10 deadline. The organization’s assistance is free of charge and aims to ensure that every ballot is properly cured and counted.
For more information about VoteRiders’ services or to request a ride, call 866‑432‑8683.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
