Join us!

We are equity-affirming, organized, data-driven, people-appreciating, nimble, and non-partisan.

We do one-person-at-a-time, community-connecting work. 

What to Expect as a Volunteer

During election season, we’re based primarily at the downtown Durham bus station, with outposts at NCCU and Duke. Our approach begins with lots of warm, open-ended conversations with people about life in general, issues they care about, and voting. 

Then, we partner with them to:

  • ensure they have the documentation needed to vote

  • know who/what is on the ballot

  • drive them to vote

  • go into the polls with them (if they wish) to help navigate the system

  • drive them on to wherever they need to go next in Durham

We provide great volunteer training and materials and have captains on-site to ensure a successful experience for voters and volunteers.

Outside of election season, we engage in broader voting rights efforts, continue to show up for the bus station community, and get ready for an even more successful next election season.  

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VOLUNTEERING FOR BULL CITY VOTES AND DURHAM DRIVES?

You’ve probably noticed that we use both names together almost everywhere.  We work closely in partnership – and volunteers often float between the two groups. But there are some differences in the volunteer experience. 

There are two phases to the work we do during election season: first, we practice deep canvassing and talk with voters until someone is ready to vote. Then, we help them gather anything they need to vote and take them to the polls. 

Heads-up, though – Durham Drives volunteers also work closely with voters!  An important part of our work is making sure voters have what they need to vote and are supported in the polls if they choose. We train all our volunteers on all of this and work with each volunteer to make sure everyone has a role they thrive in, but none of our volunteers “just drive.”

Our volunteers tell us what a gift it is to…

  • get to know people that you might never have had the opportunity to meet under other circumstances

  • work in partnership with people who might not otherwise have been able to vote

  • be part of a great team of wonderful, committed volunteers

  • do something substantive to make change in this important, challenging time!

Come join us by checking out our current volunteer opportunities – and feel free to bring a friend or neighbor!

“On Election Day, I drove three women with disabilities to vote. The first was a lady… who had an expired ID that barely managed to make the official cut-off date. She was a lot of fun to talk to. While voting and after voting, she got her two kids and her sister to vote! The second lady came from a domestic violence shelter and she told me she didn't leave it much but she felt she needed to do her part. The third lady also lived at the same shelter. She tried to get others at the shelter to vote saying "I don't want to hear no complaining if you ain't gonna do your part.” These are women I would likely have never met if not for driving them. I'm glad that I did and that we got to share stories and our most sacred right to vote.” 

---BCV/DD volunteer

“On Tuesday morning I drove a woman to the polls.  She was somewhat impatient at the bus stop; she had a busy day ahead and was eager to vote. Thanking her for her patience while we filled out the paperwork went a long way…she was so excited and empowered to vote. Her voting process was smooth, she was SO grateful to be taken to her next location…and she was tremendously thankful. It was an honor to drive her and get to spend some time with her.”

---BCV/DD volunteer