Alyssah Hall
To motivate riders and drivers to make a difference this Election Day, Lyft is offering their users rideshare, bikeshare, and scooters to the polls at a discounted price.
Lyft has helped over three million people exercise their right to vote over the years. This year, they pledge to grow their ride volume to the polls by 25%, according to a press release.
“Studies have shown that people without cars are far less likely to vote. Lyft is committed to breaking down those barriers so everyone’s voice can be heard. That’s why we’re offering a 50% discount (up to $10) on Election Day rides to the polls,” via Lyft the company stated.
Riders who wish to vote on Nov. 5 can enter the code “VOTE24” between 5am and 10pm in any time zone. But before you request your ride to the polls, make sure to go to the “rewards” tab and click “add promo code.”
“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,” said Jerry Golden, Lyft Chief Policy Officer, in a statement.
The nonpartisan Lyft Up Voting Access Program has partnered with nonprofit organizations for the past ten years, to ensure they provide free and discounted rides to those who need them most. This year, they are working with the Democracy Reinvestment Fund, Levi Strauss & Co., and Showtime/MTV.
They are also partnered with nearly 20 national non-profits including the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Hispanic Federation.
Lyft also published data for when, where and how people get to the polls to emphasize the role that rideshare plays during previous election seasons.
However, due to the option of early voting and mail-in ballots, just 25% of voters voted in person in California on election day in 2022, according to Lyft.
San Bernardino County opened early voting sites in the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Office, Town of Apple Valley Recreation Center, Joshua Tree Community Center, Ontario Conference Center, and Victorville City Hall.
The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Office opened early voting to the public starting Oct.7, while the other early voting sites opened on Oct. 29. Although the other four voting sites close on Nov. 4, the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Office is open until Nov. 5, Election day, until 8 p.m.
If residents aren’t sure where their local polling place is, check the vote-by-mail ballot or visit https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place. The site also includes information about additional polling locations across different counties.