Pundits and candidates alike are saying the 2016 presidential election is one of the most important in American history for many reasons, such as whether it will be Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump who will set the tone of the United States Supreme Court for a generation by appointing up to four justices, which candidate can best lead the fight against ISIS, and who can come up with a plan to restore economic prosperity to the Rust Belt. So, you definitely want to vote on Nov. 8.
But there’s a problem – you don’t have a car, and there’s no public transportation in your neighborhood. How do you get to the polls?
Well, your challenge is much easier than the ones Trump or Clinton will have to face if elected. All you have to do is call 800-TAXICAB or 609-693-2939 to set up a reservation to receive a free – repeat, free – ride to and from the polls on Election Day.
Lacey Courier & Transportation Co. Inc., a full-service courier and livery service provider based in Forked River for over 40 years, will give the rides, as they have on presidential election days since 1992.
The company is able to do so because many of the agencies and organizations that it normally brings customers to and from will be closed that day, Election Day being a holiday for many governmental offices. Its fleet of vehicles covers most of Ocean County on any given day, with the highest volume of service between Toms River and Stafford townships.
When you call to reserve transportation, a dispatcher will take your information and either make an appointment on the spot or get back to you because the company, in the interest of efficiency, tries to simultaneously accommodate multiple voters going to the same polling location. That’s why you are urged to call well in advance when requiring a lift to the polls, at least by Nov. 7. Call between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays; if you call outside of normal business hours, you can leave a callback number with the answering service.
At the time of your Election Day appointment, a friendly and courteous driver will arrive at your curb. Vehicles do not have provisions for wheelchair accessibility, but the driver will gladly provide assistance in and out of the vehicle. The driver will wait for you at the polling station and drive you back home.
Lacey Courier & Transportation Co. anticipates being able to provide this free service to anyone who calls. —R.M. per the SandPaper