Los Angeles County residents heading out to vote this week may find getting to the polls a little easier. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is offering free rides across its entire transit system in an effort to increase accessibility and encourage voter turnout in Tuesday’s Election Day.
Free rides are available from Monday, Nov. 4, through Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 3:00 a.m., covering Metro bus and rail services, Metro Micro, and Metro Bike Share across the county. Parking at Metro-operated lots is also free during the same period. Metro officials say the initiative is part of an ongoing effort to reduce transportation barriers for voters, especially those who do not have access to a car or who rely on public transit as their primary mode of transportation.
“Voting should be accessible to everyone,” Metro leaders stated in a public announcement. “By offering free rides, we hope to ensure that lack of transportation is never a reason someone is unable to cast their ballot.”
In addition, several Metro stations across Los Angeles County are equipped with official ballot drop boxes for voters who prefer to submit their mail-in ballots during their commute. Ballot drop boxes are available at Union Station (East Portal), El Monte Bus Transit Center (Plaza Area), Harbor Gateway Transit Center (Transit Plaza Area), Harbor Freeway C Line (Park and Ride Area), Hollywood/Western B Line (Plaza Area), North Hollywood B Line (East Plaza Area), Norwalk C Line (East Plaza Area), Pomona North A Line (West Parking Lot Area), Westlake/MacArthur Park B & D Lines (Courtyard Area), and Wilshire/Vermont B & D Lines (Courtyard Area).
For those who wish to vote in person, the Metro Headquarters Voting Center at Union Station will remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Unlike many other states with major offices up for election this year, Californians are voting on only one statewide measure: Proposition 50, also known as The Election Rigging Response Act. The measure is a counteraction to a recent Texas redistricting plan that favored Republicans. Prop. 50 would allow California to implement temporary congressional district maps that would increase Democratic representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. These temporary maps would remain in effect through 2030, and state officials estimate that implementing the changes could cost counties up to several million dollars statewide in one-time election system updates.
Election officials and civic groups have emphasized that every vote matters, and Metro’s free transit program is designed to ensure that transportation is never a barrier to participation in the democratic process. With the free rides in place and multiple ballot drop-off options available, Angelenos now have more convenient ways to make sure their voices are heard on Election Day.