Lyft, Uber offering 50% off rides to polls

Lyft is reminding Americans that a lack of transportation is not an excuse to skip voting.

The rideshare company announced Wednesday that its offering Lyft riders a 50% discount of up to $10 on Election Day as part its Voting Access Program.

Users can preload the code, VOTE24, on or before Nov. 5 for rideshare, bikeshare or scooter rides, according to the company. The code is only valid between 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in every time zone.

“Lyft believes transportation access should never be a barrier for any citizen seeking to vote,” Lyft Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden said in a news release. “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.”

The app will also feature election-themed visuals in its home screen, icons and messaging on voting day. After users apply the Election Day code, red, white and blue confetti will appear their screens, the company said.

Lyft says people without cars are less likely to vote

Lyft reported that a one mile increase in distance to a polling site can reduce turnout by up to 20% and released a report Wednesday on how transportation impacts voter turnout.

The report claimed that the longest drives to polling sites are in Texas averaging 5.8 miles, followed by 5.6 mile drives in Georgia and 5.3 mile drives in Mississippi.