KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Advocates have called on Kansas City’s transit leaders to help break down barriers to voting for those with disabilities with a more inclusive transportation service.
The Missouri Voter Protection Coalition’s Accessibility Working Group announced on Saturday, Nov. 2, that disability rights organizations submitted a letter to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to request additional services on RideKC Freedom for voters on Election Day.
The letter highlighted barriers that those with disabilities face as they exercise their rights to vote. With the significance of the 2024 General Election, advocates said it is important not to forget that the inaccessibility of polling places and lack of procedures could discourage the participation of those with disabilities.
Currently, the coalition indicated that RideKC Freedom’s policies confine riders to their polling places for two or more hours as they wait for a return ride. They are required to schedule separate return trips from a polling place at least 90 …