RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO) — The YMCA is looking to make it easier for parents in Western South Dakota to get out and vote next Tuesday.

Between work and school, getting to the polls can be challenging.

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And, waiting in a long line with your kids can make it stressful.

That’s where the YMCA’s in the Black Hills come in. 

“It’s important for us to provide a safe and welcoming environment for children to play and have fun while their parents do their civic duty,” YMCA Director of Operations Chris Russo said.

Parents can drop off their kids between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on election day.

This opportunity is free to all in the community, not just YMCA members. And offers up a unique two-hour window to allow everybody in their community to get out and cast their vote.

“I think it’s a great idea, so the kids don’t have to stand in line and cry and say when are you going to be done, Mom? I wish I had that when my kids were little,” local Marilyn Brooks said.

The YMCA child care center is already staffed and ready to welcome extra election day friends. 

“We are doing the expanded hours for election day but we have the quality staff in place already and we just thought it was a nice way to open it up to everyone for this day. Expose them to us and let us help where we can,” Russo said.

Registration is required just so that the YMCA can keep track of numbers, you can find that here.EditSign