A Tuft University study found that 29 percent of young adults cited lack of transportation as a reason why they didn’t vote in the 2016 election, so in an effort to help voters get to the polls, ride-sharing apps Uber and Lyft announced that they would provide free rides to local polling stations on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Uber has partneried with Democracy Works and #VoteTogether and on Election Day, a “Get to the Polls” button will appear in the Uber app. Users can click on it to find their local polling place and book a free ride to vote via a promo code.
Lyft is also getting political, offering free and discounted rides to the polls. Vote.org and TurboVote will have codes for 50 percent off rides, while Lyft will give free rides to members of underserved communities, which is provided through nonpartisan, nonprofit partners like Voto Latino, local Urban League affiliates, and the National Federation of the Blind.
Both companies have also been working with outside organizations to help get voters registered. Lyft teamed with When We All Vote and National Voter Registration Day to help anyone who is still looking to register to vote.
For those who have not yet registered to vote, be sure to check the deadline in the respective location since they differ between states.
By: Maytinee Kramer
