Newport Mayor Xaykham “Xay” Khamsyvoravong is rolling out a green initiative to boost voter turnout in the upcoming election.
His re-election campaign for Newport City Council At-Large is offering free rides to polling locations using electric Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) for early voting on Nov. 4 and Election Day on Nov. 5.
“This election cycle’s negativity has worn our communities down. I think the best way to counter that is by having everyone vote,” Khamsyvoravong says. “I’m doing my best to make sure Newport voters can get to the polls easily and in an eco-friendly way.”
The campaign claims to be the first in Rhode Island to use LSVs for voter transportation. The state gave the green light for these vehicles on local roads on July 1, 2024.
Newport residents can book rides by calling (401) 445-3051 or visiting xayfornewport.com/how-to-vote.
“By providing rides to the polls in electric vehicles, Xay wants to support both civic engagement and environmental values in Newport,” the campaign explains.
The LSVs will pick up voters from their homes, take them directly to their polling locations, and bring them back.
This service is part of Khamsyvoravong’s wider campaign strategy to increase voter participation in Newport.
