In the 2016 election, an estimated 15 million registered voters didn’t make it out to the polls because of issues with transportation. Voting is a constitutional right for eligible Americans, but the unfortunate reality is that for many Americans, getting out to vote can be extremely difficult.
For those who have concerns with transportation, the ride-share service, Lyft, has launched “The Ride to Vote” program. Lyft is partnering with organizations across the country to provide 50 percent-off rides for those looking to cast their vote, and free rides to underserved communities that face significant obstacles to transportation.
The 50 percent-off discounted rides will be given in the form of promo codes provided by their partners that encourage voter turnout, like Vote.org, Nonprofit Vote, TurboVote and more. Lyft will also have a product integration to help passengers find their polling location, and send push notifications through their app reminding people to register to vote.
Free rides for underserved communities is made possible by nonpartisan, nonprofit partners including Voto Latino, local Urban League affiliates and the National Federation of the Blind.
The company provided this disclaimer about the upcoming offer:
“Lyft’s ‘The Ride to Vote’ is a non-partisan supported event. Lyft promo codes and free rides are offered in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, subject to Lyft’s terms and conditions, and is not intended to induce, nor is it conditioned on, the act of voting or voting for or against any particular candidate or measure.”
This article appears in Sep 26 – Oct 2, 2018.