If you’re hesitant to visit a polling station due to a lack of transportation, Lyft and Uber say they are happy to help. Both ride-hailing companies are offering a 50 percent discount of up to $10 on Election Day rides.
Lyft announced on Wednesday that users can preload the code “VOTE24” for rideshare, bikeshare, or scooter rides on or before Nov. 5. The discount is valid from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Election Day across all time zones.
“Lyft believes transportation access should never be a barrier for any citizen seeking to vote,” said Lyft Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden in a press release.
“Our Voting Access Program reflects our commitment to being a force for good, and we’re proud to encourage riders and drivers to exercise their fundamental right to vote, regardless of income, zip code, or political affiliation,” he added.
Two days previously, Uber introduced a new “Go Vote” feature on its app allowing users to book discounted rides to their nearest polling station—except in California and Georgia. The offer is valid from 4 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. local time on Nov. 5.
Lyft: Distance a Barrier for Turnout
On Wednesday, Lyft released a report highlighting how transportation affects voter participation. It said that a one-mile increase in distance to a polling site can reduce voter turnout by up to 20 percent.
The report noted that voters in Texas, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and New Jersey traveled over 5 miles to cast their ballots in 2022, with special mention to Clayton County, Georgia, and Tarrant County, Texas, where voters who used Lyft to get to polling stations traveled more than 7 miles on average to vote.
To help address transportation barriers, Lyft will also provide free or discounted rides to underserved communities through partnerships with nonprofits such as the League of Women Voters (LVW) and the Hispanic Federation.
Fuel, Food, Uber’s Election Features
Uber is rolling out a series of in-app features and promotions to help voters find and reach their polling stations on Election Day.
The company’s “Go Vote!” button on the app’s home screen guides users to their polling location. By entering your home address, the app will locate your polling place and prompt you to request a ride with the destination automatically set.
For those staying up late to watch the results and feeling peckish, Uber is offering 25 percent—up to a maximum of $15—off Uber Eats orders with a $25 minimum order for participating restaurants across the country.
“We’re proud to use our technology to help eligible Americans get to the polls safely and easily this Election Day,” the company wrote in its news release.