Video: Busing Voters Gets Housing Authority in Trouble

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Helping voters get to the polls Tuesday has a Starkville agency in hot water.

The State Auditor’s office is investigating the Starkville Housing Authority’s use of its vanss and drivers to shuttle residents Tuesday. Two investigators visited the housing authority offices late Tuesday after receiving a complaint.

State Auditor spokesperson Lisa Shoemaker says busing people to the polls is an improper use of public vehicles. The agency could have to repay money for drivers’ time and other expenses.

Housing Authority Director Rebecca Carlisle says the van made only a few trips during the day to help the elderly, handicapped and people without transportation exercise their right to vote. She says drivers did not tell riders how to vote.

“We are in the business of helping people and I guess it’s not like it used to be, that can get you in trouble these days. We were just trying to help people who needed help,” Carlisle said, noting the van didn’t make many trips.

She says she will abide by whatever the Auditor’s office rules.

Shoemaker says the complaint was one of several the auditor’s office investigated across the state Tuesday.