Shuttle’s Final Day Is This Sunday
Agudath Israel of America kicked off its free early voting shuttle service in Kew Gardens Hills this past Sunday, offering residents a direct line to the Queens College early voting site ahead of the June 23 primary. The initiative, which operated from several pickup points throughout the neighborhood, is part of the organization’s ongoing effort to remove barriers to the ballot box and strengthen community participation in the democratic process.
“Voting is one of the most important ways for community members to make their voices heard,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations for Agudath Israel of America. “Our work in Albany and City Hall is strengthened when elected officials see an engaged and active constituency. We encourage everyone to take advantage of every opportunity to vote.”
Throughout the day, residents took part in the shuttle service, with neighbors greeting one another as they gathered to board. Organizers reported respectable participation during the program’s first day and expressed optimism for the final shuttle date this coming Sunday.
“It was great to see community members making voting a priority and taking advantage of the shuttle service throughout the day,” said Rabbi Ephraim Gurell, New York Government Affairs Associate for Agudath Israel of America. “This initiative was about more than transportation. It was about civic engagement and making sure that every member of the community has the opportunity to participate. When our community is engaged, our voice is stronger, and we’re grateful to have been able to help make the voting process a little easier. We’re looking forward to continuing the service this upcoming Sunday and helping even more voters get to the polls.”
The program also drew support from local elected officials, representatives of elected officials, and community activists who visited pickup locations throughout the day to encourage participation and show their support for the initiative. Organizers expect additional visits from community and government leaders this coming Sunday.
For those who have not yet cast their ballots, the free shuttle service will operate for its final day on Sunday, June 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pickup locations are at the bus stops at Main Street and 77th Road, Main Street and 73rd Avenue near Wasserman Supermarket, and Jewel Avenue and Main Street. The shuttle will run approximately every 30 minutes between Kew Gardens Hills and the Queens College early voting site.
With Primary Election Day approaching, organizers hope the service will help ensure that every eligible voter who wishes to participate has the opportunity to do so.
By Shabsie Saphirstein