In an effort to increase voter turnout, rideshare giants Uber and Lyft are offering hefty discounts on rides to polling places this Election Day. As reported by CBS Austin, both companies have announced that they will provide a 50% discount on rides, up to $10, to help voters perform their civic duty. Additionally, Uber aims to keep its customers fed on election night with 25% off Uber Eats orders, starting at 6 p.m.
The deals are available nationwide, which includes San Antonio where Lyft is extending their discount to include scooter rides, an alternative for those inching their way to the polls. "To use the discounts on November 5th, you'll need promo codes, which can be found on Uber and Lyft's websites" as per the information provided by CBS Austin. These offers stand as part of the companies' efforts to promote democratic participation and remove transportation barriers.
For those who plan to vote using Uber, instructions are simple: open the app, click the "Go Vote!" tile, enter your home address to locate your polling station and request a ride with the destination automatically set. As noted by Express News, "The offer is valid from 4 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Nov. 5." UberEats users can also benefit from 25% off orders of $25 or more, saving up to $15 off from 6 p.m. on election night until 7 a.m. the following morning.
If you prefer Lyft, the process is similarly straightforward. Riders are advised to preload the code VOTE24 onto the Lyft app before or on Election Day. "The code will be valid from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. for those traveling to a polling location," as per the guidance from Express News. With the accessibility of rides to the polls becoming increasingly facilitated by these companies, the act of voting becomes less about logistics and more about the power of choice—without the hindrance of how one will get to the booth.
