Lyft Launches Major Initiative to Facilitate Voting Access Ahead of Election Day

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In this photo illustration a Lyft logo is displayed on a smartphone.
Photo: Omar Marques/SOPA Images / Shutterstock

As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election approaches, Lyft has announced its largest voting initiative to date, aiming to help millions of Americans reach the polls on Election Day, November 5. With an estimated 2 million riders expected to use the service to vote, Lyft is offering a 50% discount, up to $10, on rideshare, bike, and scooter rides nationwide. Users can access this discount by entering the code VOTE24.

This initiative comes at a critical time as barriers to voting have increased significantly. According to recent data, there are approximately 100,000 fewer polling places available compared to the 2020 election, marking a 50% decrease since 2018. As a result, nearly half of Americans are expected to encounter new voting restrictions this year, making initiatives like Lyft’s crucial for ensuring access to the polls.

Lyft’s Commitment to Voter Access

Lyft’s focus on connecting riders and drivers to their communities is central to this initiative. The company has pledged to provide more rides to the polls than it did in 2022, demonstrating its dedication to enhancing voter turnout across the nation.

In addition to providing discounted rides, Lyft aims to educate riders, drivers, and employees about the voting process. The company is partnering with leading nonprofit organizations such as the NAACP, When We All Vote, the League of Women Voters, and VoteRiders. These partnerships are designed to offer resources and information that will empower individuals to exercise their right to vote.

As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election approaches, Lyft has announced its largest voting initiative to date, aiming to help millions of Americans reach the polls on Election Day, November 5. With an estimated 2 million riders expected to use the service to vote, Lyft is offering a 50% discount, up to $10, on rideshare, bike, and scooter rides nationwide. Users can access this discount by entering the code VOTE24.

Addressing New Barriers to Voting

This initiative comes at a critical time as barriers to voting have increased significantly. According to recent data, there are approximately 100,000 fewer polling places available compared to the 2020 election, marking a 50% decrease since 2018. As a result, nearly half of Americans are expected to encounter new voting restrictions this year, making initiatives like Lyft’s crucial for ensuring access to the polls.

Lyft’s focus on connecting riders and drivers to their communities is central to this initiative. The company has pledged to provide more rides to the polls than it did in 2022, demonstrating its dedication to enhancing voter turnout across the nation.

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In addition to providing discounted rides, Lyft aims to educate riders, drivers, and employees about the voting process. The company is partnering with leading nonprofit organizations such as the NAACP, When We All Vote, the League of Women Voters, and VoteRiders. These partnerships are designed to offer resources and information that will empower individuals to exercise their right to vote.

Lyft has set an ambitious goal of increasing voter turnout by 500,000 new voters by the year 2028. A significant aspect of this effort focuses on engaging young people, particularly through the Community College Commitment. This coalition, which includes Lyft, Levi Strauss & Co., Showtime, and MTV, aims to meet young voters where they are and inspire them to participate in the electoral process.

Voting access has long been a priority for Lyft, which first launched its LyftUp Voting Access Program in 2014. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program, which has helped over 3 million people exercise their right to vote since its inception. Lyft’s ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to reducing barriers to voting and fostering civic engagement.

Lyft’s announcement signals a broader recognition of the challenges facing voters today. As the company gears up for Election Day, it emphasizes the importance of accessibility and community involvement in the democratic process. By leveraging its platform to facilitate transportation to polling places, Lyft hopes to play a pivotal role in increasing voter participation in the upcoming election.

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