They are targeting single women with children in hopes of mobilizing the potential voting bloc.
By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN
Published October 29, 2004
TAMPA - With interest at an all-time high this election, people are pulling out all the stops to lure voters.
There are offers of rides to the polls, extended election office hours - and now, you can get free babysitting.
Three political organizations are teaming up to offer free day care on Election Day, which includes shuttle rides to the polls and back to the day care to pick up your kids.
The three groups are: Women's Voices. Women Vote; USAction Education Fund; and the Florida Consumer Action Network. Group members say their effort is targeting single women, a voting bloc that is less likely to make it to the polls.
In the 2000 election, 22-million single women of voting age living on one income stayed home, said Poppy Alexander, Tampa project director for WVWV. Of those 22-million, an estimated 16-million were unregistered, and 6-million more who were registered did not cast ballots.
"This year, we want to make sure they're all out at the polls," Alexander said. "We want to make sure we give them every resource we possibly can."
In addition to Tampa, a few Orlando day cares are also participating, she said.
So far, spots have been reserved and shuttles arranged for the Central City YMCA on Florida and Palm avenues in Hillsborough, and the YWCA in Midtown in Pinellas.
Organizers were also working to secure a third location in South Tampa on Thursday afternoon.
The day care centers will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, you must register in advance by calling 877-VOTE-MOM (877-868-3666).
The sites were chosen because of their proximity to areas known for high rates of single moms, Alexander said.
She predicted that transportation and voting time for each parent would take about an hour, depending on how efficiently the polls are running.
"Like the rest of Election Day, it will either be disastrous or go smoothly," she said. "We have done everything in our power to prepare for it."
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To sign up for the free day care service on Election Day, call 1-877-868-3666.
