The US presidential race is in full swing, but not everyone has equal access to the ballot box. With Election Day fast approaching, Lyft is trying to help.
Last week, Lyft announced the launch of its Voting Access Program, the company’s “largest voting initiative,” to help millions of Americans get to the polls this coming Election Day, Nov. 5. The program aims to “make sure every single American has the opportunity to have their voices heard” by offering 50% (or up to $10) off rideshare, bike, and scooter rides to the polls with the code VOTE24.
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A 2022 Election Administration and Voting survey estimated that there are about 94,793 physical polling places in use in the US — a staggering drop from 200,000 in 2018. This can impact those who may not have the transportation or time off necessary to get to farther-out polling locations. Coupled with voter suppression laws that have been introduced or passed across the country, this reality can disproportionately impact communities of color, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
“Lyft believes transportation access should never be a barrier for any citizen seeking to vote,” said Jerry Golden, Lyft’s Chief Policy Officer, in a blog post. “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.”
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According to the Lyft Voting Report, voters in states such as Texas, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and New Jersey “traveled significantly farther – 5 miles or over – to cast a ballot” during the midterms in 2022. During the midterms, “an estimated 2 million people” used Lyft rides to get to the polls; in Georgia, there was an 18% increase in rides to poll locations (such as libraries, schools, and churches) and a 12% increase in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
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“Notably, these states [also] had some of the most competitive Senate races during the last election cycle, suggesting that voters might use rideshare when they feel more is at stake,” the report noted. For example, Georgia legislators have passed what are considered to be some of the most racial and classed voter suppression laws in the country.
On Election Day, the Lyft app will display “special election-themed elements, including a home screen takeover, and election-themed icons and messaging.” When riders apply the Election Day ride code to their trip, “the app will light up with red, white, and blue confetti to celebrate their participation in the democratic process.”
How to get 50% off Lyft rides on Election Day
Before accessing the promotion on Election Day, check if you are a registered voter in whatever state you reside in here. Then download the Lyft app and preload the code VOTE24 on or before Nov. 5. The code is valid from 5 AM to 10 PM in every time zone on Nov. 5 and can be used for a rideshare, bikeshare, or scooter ride.
For more information, visit lyft.com/vote. If you’d rather vote early, absentee, or by mail, most states also provide those options.
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Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
