By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com
In an effort to ensure every American has transportation to exercise their right to vote, ride share companies are doing their part to get citizens to the election polls on Nov. 5.
The NAACP has joined forces with leading ride-sharing platform Lyft to offer free and discounted trips to election polls across the country. The Lyft Up Voting Access Program, launched in May, is part of a multi-million dollar community engagement campaign led by the NAACP, which seeks to advance voter education and civic participation in states with large populations of Black voters.
Credit: Photo credit: Unsplash/ Red dot
Riders can use code NAACPVOTE24 to receive $20 off of two rides, or $40 total on Nov. 5. They can also preload the code VOTE24 to receive a 50 percent discount, up to $10, on Election Day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in every time zone.
“During a time where our most sacred right to vote is under attack, we must fight back with every tool at our disposal. For many Americans, especially Black Americans, accessible and affordable transportation continues to impede access to the ballot box,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP in a press release. “The NAACP is proud to continue working with our partners at Lyft to create pathways to the polls through free and low-cost rideshare services. Together, we will make sure every vote is counted and every voice is heard.”
According to a recent survey from Lyft, nearly 3 million people use the service to get to the polls, drop off a ballot or register to vote. In 2020, the company experienced a 10 percent increase in rides on Election Day. Most people have to travel an average of three to four miles, but people from states, like North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Florida, have to drive more than five miles on average.
It estimates that individuals without access to a private vehicle are more than twice as likely to use Lyft to get to their polling place than those with access to a car.
“Lyft believes transportation access should never be a barrier for any citizen seeking to vote,” said Jerry Golden, chief policy officer for Lyft, in a statement. “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.”
Aside from Lyft, other ride share platforms, like Uber have also joined in on the efforts to turn out the vote.
“We’ve developed a series of in-app features and promotions to help voters find and get to their polling locations this Election Day,” said the company, in a press release. “When you open your Uber app on Election Day, you’ll see a dedicated ‘Go Vote!’ tile on the home screen.”
In the “Go Vote” section of the Uber app, voters will be able to find their polling place and take a discounted ride to vote.
“We’re offering riders in the U.S. 50 percent off rides to their polling place (up to $10) when they use our new ‘Go Vote’ tile to book a ride,” reports the business.
Uber is also making sure voters have enough “night fuel” to watch election results as they roll in, with 25 percent off food orders – up to $15- for all orders that are at least $25.
The post Uber, Lyft to offer free and discounted rides to polls on Election Day appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
