• by Tanya Gazdik , October 16, 2024

Lyft is expanding its voter access effort with a focus on getting more voters to the polls on Election Day. 

Voting access has been a longstanding priority for Lyft as this year marks 10 years since the company first launched its LyftUp Voting Access Program in 2014. Since its inception, the program has helped 3 million people exercise their right to vote. This year's is its largest effort ever, according to the company.

The rideshare service has a landing page for the effort that encourages both drivers and riders to get out the vote on Nov. 5. The page contains information on topics such as how to become a poll worker or how organizations can sponsor rides to the polls. 

The aim is to help millions of Americans get to the polls this Election Day, and Lyft pledges to provide more rides to the polls compared to 2022.

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, according to a company blog post. 

Lyft conducted a study which summarized a voting report about where how and when Americans get to the polls. It shows that even a one-mile increase in distance to polling locations can reduce turnout by up to 20%.

With an estimated 2 million people taking Lyft to vote, the company is offering 50% (up to $10) off rideshare, bike, and scooter rides to the polls on Nov. 5 nationwide using code VOTE24. Uber is providing similar discounts. 

This is more important than ever as new barriers to voting have emerged, according to Lyft. There are 100,000 fewer polling places available than during the 2020 election (a 50% decrease since 2018), according to a U.S. Election Assistance Commission report. Because of these barriers, almost half the country will face new voting restrictions this year, according to Lyft.

Lyft also is committed to educating riders, drivers, and employees about the voting process through their targeted partnerships with leading nonprofits like NAACP, When We All Vote, the League of Women Voters, and VoteRiders.

With a goal of increasing voter turnout by 500,000 new voters by 2028, Lyft is especially focused on inspiring young people this election and meeting them directly where they’re at as part of the Community College Commitment, a coalition with Lyft, Levi Strauss & Co., Showtime and MTV.