Which state are you in? Maybe there is a free Voter ID available online or a free mail-in form (like Florida has).
Only Wisconsin, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana, Kansas, Iowa, and New Hampshire have what are classified as "Strict Photo ID" requirements for voter registration. All of these states offer a free voter ID, and most only require first-time voters to apply in person. For changes or renewals people can send the form on-line or via US mail. If you're needing gas money to get to the DMV to get a Voter ID, you're probably in a car and need to go to the DMV anyway so you can get a driver's license.
Time off is still a bear, but I had to take time off and pay a fee to get my DL.