VoterDrive.com
FAQ
So what's this all about?
We're a group of non-partisan artists who are driving across the country following a route that spells "Vote". We're meeting with
school kids, civic groups and local folks in towns and small cities across America to talk with people about the importance of
voting and getting involved. We'll be registering people to vote and giving them the opportunity to express their opinions about
the issues that matter to them.
How'd you get the idea to do this?
I wanted to set up a Registration Booth and help America's Democracy grow. I figured sitting at a desk somewhere would be helpful,
but I wouldn't be reaching a whole lot of people. The idea of crossing the country fit in with reaching a lot of people, and making
it an art piece would help illustrate that its this whole country participating in Democracy. I also am not very well versed in
politics and Democracy and wanted to learn more about our process. I learn by participating, so I created this journey as a way
to educate myself so that I can help show others how democracy works.
Why is this so important to you?
We kept hearing that people were frustrated with politics and a lot of people were saying they didn't see the value in voting. And,
truth be told, we sometimes felt the same way. But we believe that you can't change something for the better unless you get involved.
That got us started on the idea of doing something to get people excited about participating in the democratic process.
What response have you gotten from people?
The response has been great. People love the bus and when we make a stop and talk with folks, they get excited. I believe people
want to be involved. And they love the opportunity to express their opinions on issues that are important to them.
What are you going to do when you make a stop?
We typically will make arrangements with people in advance to find the best location in town to set up to register people to vote.
We'll also be talking with schools and civic groups about the trip and the importance of participating in the democratic process.
And we'll set up a typewriter on the back of the bus where people can answer four questions talking about what's important to them.
Every night we'll upload their comments to the Voterdrive.com website for everyone to see. We'll also be stopping every 200 miles,
wherever we are, and putting one of these 500 "VOTE!" signs on the side of the road.
Who's on the bus?
Cory Mervis- founder of VoterDrive, is a 36-year-old Manhattan native. And occasionally we will have people who are interested
in helping us along the way join us for a leg or two.
Where'd you find the bus?
We bought the bus at an auction in Pennsylvania and prepped it for the trip in New York City. It's a 1989 Bluebird that we've
outfitted with computers, sleeping quarters, a bitchin' sound system and a tuck and roll job that's going to be our home for
the next four months. A big crew of volunteers worked on it to get it ready for the road.
What makes you think you'll make a difference?
You hear people say "One person can't make a difference", I don't believe that. There are lots of issues to get involved in, locally
or nationally. Whatever your political bent there's a group out there that could use and appreciate your help. We're distributing
information on a lot of them by giving people website information and documentation on how to find all the parties that may be of
interest to them and helping people make contact so that they feel more connected to a community of like-minded people.
So who are you voting for in November?
That's what great about this country - we have a secret ballot.