Yukon donor helps low-income voters get to the polls on election day
Buys $825 bus passes to be given to local shelters and poverty advocacy groups
The City of Whitehorse sold $825 worth of transit passes to an anonymous donor this week, who wanted the tickets given to people who may not otherwise get to the polls Oct. 19.
The $5 passes will be distributed to local shelters and poverty advocacy groups as part of a campaign to rally more low-income people to vote.
Linda Rapp, the city's director of community and recreation services, says it gave the tickets to the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, as well as the Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre.
"We've determined the best way to get the word out is to work with local organizations that we know work with those in greatest need," Rapp said.
In all, the donation will buy 165 day passes.
Other municipalities have gone a step further — Yellowknife public transit will be free of charge on election day.
Rapp says Whitehorse will not be dropping fares on election day, saying it would cost the city about $10,000.