Two free RTD fare days meant to encourage voter turnout in Denver area

There will be two zero fare days on public transportation in the Denver metro area to encourage voter participation in the general election, the secretary of state’s office and Regional Transportation District announced Tuesday.

Riders can access the bus and rail services from RTD for free on National Vote Early Day on Oct. 28 and on Election Day on Nov. 8. Fares are usually $3 for local service and $5.25 for regional service.

The vast majority of Colorado voters cast their ballots via mail — about 1.2 million people voted by mail during the June primary and about 15,000 people voted in person. In person voting, however, is important for people who register late and don’t receive a ballot in the mail in time, people who may have lost their mail-in ballot, and people who simply prefer to cast their vote in person.

Voting centers will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The zero fare days will help those voters get to a polling place if they do not have a car or other reliable transportation.

“While data shows that mail ballot voting has significantly increased voter turnout in Colorado, providing systemwide zero-fare transit access on general election days further reduces barriers to polling places,” RTD General Manager and CEO Debra Johnson said in a statement. “With this initiative, the playing field is being leveled so that registered voters can exercise their constitutional right.”

Voters can use GoVoteColorado.gov to find their nearest voting center and use RTD’s trip planner to figure out the best navigation route.