Ride service
Is Polls & Back really free?
Yes. Riders will not be charged a fare, asked for a donation, or required to support any organization, candidate, party, or ballot position.
Who will be able to request a ride?
The service is being designed for voters in the published Des Moines metro coverage area who need transportation to and from their polling place. Final boundaries and capacity rules will be announced before booking opens.
When will ride requests open?
Before the November 3, 2026 General Election, after coverage, volunteer capacity, public contact methods, privacy details, and dispatch procedures are ready. The permanent request page is pollsandback.com/request/.
Will the service bring me home?
That is the design. Polls & Back is a ride to the polls and back, not a one-way drop-off. Final return-trip procedures will be published before booking opens.
Is a ride guaranteed after I submit a request?
No. A request becomes a confirmed ride only after dispatch verifies coverage and assigns an available volunteer. The live form will distinguish clearly between submission and confirmation.
Politics and independence
Is Polls & Back connected to a party or campaign?
No. Polls & Back is an RG Herd nonpartisan civic transportation project. It is not affiliated with a party, candidate, campaign, political action committee, or government election office.
Can a driver talk to me about candidates or ballot issues?
Not as part of the service. Campaigning, persuasion, partisan displays, and questions about a rider’s ballot are prohibited during active Polls & Back operations.
Do I have to tell you how I plan to vote?
No. Polls & Back does not need that information and will not include it in the ride-request process.
Voting information and accessibility
Can Polls & Back tell me where to vote?
Dispatch needs the correct polling-place destination to plan a ride, but official polling-place and registration information must be confirmed through the Iowa Secretary of State or county auditor. Polls & Back is not an election office.
Will accessibility needs be supported?
The request process will include a way to describe mobility or accessibility needs. Available accommodations will depend on volunteer vehicles and operational capacity and will be confirmed during scheduling.
What if I do not want to use an online form?
The operating plan includes a human-accessible public contact route. The final phone, text, or assisted-request options will be published on the request page before booking opens.
Volunteering
How are volunteer drivers approved?
Each applicant is individually vetted before receiving assignments. Full requirements are published on the volunteer page and in the service rules.
Can volunteers participate through an existing group?
Yes. Individuals and drivers connected with community organizations may apply. Every driver completes the same individual approval process.
Does Polls & Back provide automobile insurance?
No. Drivers use their own insured vehicles. Coverage and vehicle requirements are listed in the service rules.
Can I help without driving?
Yes. Polls & Back also needs dispatchers, organizers, recruitment help, documentation and training support, sponsors, and other practical contributions.
What will drivers need?
A valid license, a verified vehicle and insurance policy, reliable communication, and agreement to the program rules. Application details are on the volunteer page.
How long is driver and rider information retained?
Identifiable operational data is scheduled for deletion on November 17, 2026. Limited exceptions are explained in the privacy notice.