In the last presidential election, it’s estimated that more than 15 million eligible voters didn’t go to the polls in large part because they lacked a way to get there.
To overcome this, ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft are offering a “Ride to Vote” discount for free and discounted rides to polling stations. On Election Day, Lyft is offering 50% off one ride up to $10 to any polling location or dropbox using the code 2020VOTE. For the first time, this offer also includes its network of bikes and scooters in select cities.
In addition, Uber is also offering up to 50% off roundtrip rides to and from the polls, or up to $14 for the two trips. Again, this also applies to its bikes and scooters. It food delivery service, Uber Eats, will also be onsite with food trucks. The company has partnered with Pizza to the Polls to deploy a fleet of over 250 food trucks across 25 cities to deliver free food. The food trucks will be giving out free Shake Shack, Milk Bar and local favorites while playing music and celebrating civic engagement.
“Lyft is stepping up to complement the work that More Than A Vote has done to convert sports arenas into safe in-person voting locations in communities that are suffering the most during this pandemic,” said Michael Tyler, EVP of Public Affairs for More Than A Vote. “By providing access to free and discounted rides to arena voting sites in Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Orlando, and Philadelphia, Lyft is making it easier for voters in key population centers to exercise their right to vote this fall.”
“As we look ahead to this year’s election, we are committed to doing our part to make sure every citizen has access to vote,” Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said. “We hope that by giving people the ability to easily register to vote, request an absentee ballot and get to the polls via the Uber and Uber Eats apps, independent workers — and everyone who uses our platform — will have a stronger voice in our democracy. And in addition to providing resources on the Uber and Uber Eats platforms to help individuals register to vote and get to the polls, we are proud to announce that we are also giving employees the day off, feeding people in line to vote, and looking into other ways to unite the communities we serve on Election Day,” Khosrowshahi added.
