NASHVILLE, Tenn.- During the first two days of early voting more than 200,000 people cast their ballots in Tennessee. On Saturday, a group helped increase those numbers by making sure college students got out to vote.
Without the free shuttle, Fisk University Senior Jasmine Robertson didn't know how she would get to the polls.
"No I'm not from Tennessee. I'm from New York actually," Robertson explained. "So it was actually exciting to be able to register down here to be able to vote."
Robertson, like many college students, did not have state-issued photo identification, a new requirement to vote.
"I needed to learn how to drive anyway since I'm down here, so I ended up just going ahead and get my permit," she said.
Despite meeting all other voting requirements, without the permit Robertson would not be able to vote. Her photo identification issued by her university is not approved.
"I just don't understand if you go to TSU (Tennessee State University), for example, it's a state college…you can't vote using that ID. It's a state school. But I just find that weird," organizer and Meharry Ph.D student Jane Manty explained. "But on the flip side, you can use your gun permit. I just don't understand that."
That's what prompted the creation "Operation Wake-Up and Vote Early," also known as WAVE. It's led by college students representing universities in Nashville.
"We're making sure that our students and other disenfranchised groups have the proper IDs and means to be able to vote. We're sending out shuttles on our campuses," organizer and Fisk University Student Government Association President Philippe Andal said.
Opposition to the voter identification law has made it all the way to the Tennessee Supreme Court, where three judges are now considering if the requirement is constitutional. Supporters say it's an effective tool to prevent fraud.
"We're looking at voter turn-out, and it's high, so it's not being suppressed," State Elections Coordinator Mark Goins said. "Eligible voters are making it to the precincts."
Jasmine Robertson cast her ballot for the first time.
"My voice is heard now so I'm proud about it," she said.
Operation WAVE wants to ensure there are no barriers standing in anyone else's way. Early voting continues every day, except Sundays, until November 1st. The general election is November 6th.
