As Election Day approaches, transportation companies and service providers across the United States are rolling out various incentives to help voters reach their polling places. These initiatives aim to remove logistical barriers and encourage civic participation through free rides, discounts, and navigational assistance. This guide details the specific offers available from major mobility and rental companies, along with eligibility requirements and redemption processes, based on current promotional information.
Micromobility Services
Several scooter and bike-share companies are providing complimentary rides to and from polling locations for early voting and on Election Day.
Lime is offering free rides to voters using the promo code VOTE2024. This code provides two free 30-minute rides within the United States. The promotion is valid for trips to and from polling places for both early voting and on November 5.
Bird and Spin are participating in the Roll to the Polls initiative, which also provides two free rides. Users can access this offer by entering the code RockTheVote2024 in the respective mobile applications.
Veo is running a separate Election Day promotion across all of its operating markets. Riders can receive $5 in credit by using the code VOTE24. This offer is valid through Election Day.
Ride-Hailing Platforms
Ride-hailing services are offering discounted trips to the polls, while some are also providing food delivery incentives.
Lyft is providing a 50% discount on rides to polling locations, with a maximum discount cap of $10 per ride. The discount applies to standard ride-hail services as well as bikeshare and scootershare options (such as Citi Bike). To use the discount, riders must preload the ride code VOTE24 on or before November 5.
Uber is offering a similar 50% discount on trips to polling places, also capped at $10. Users can access this discount by clicking on the "Go Vote!" tile within the Uber app. The app also features functionality to help users locate their nearest polling station. Additionally, Uber Eats is offering a 25% discount on orders with a $25 minimum, valid from 6 p.m. local time on November 5 until 7 a.m. local time on November 6. This promotion is limited to a maximum discount of $15.
NAACP is reportedly offering free rides to the polls through a partnership, though specific details are limited. The provided documentation mentions a code (NAACPVOTE24) and notes that the offer is first come, first served.
Car Rentals
Major car rental agencies are also participating with offers designed for voters needing transportation over multiple days.
Hertz is offering one free rental day for customers who rent a vehicle for two or more days between October 21 and November 5. This promotion is valid in "participating neighborhoods." To redeem, customers must use the promo code 211636 at the time of reservation. Restrictions apply; the offer cannot be used for convertibles, minivans, or large SUVs.
Zipcar is waiving the first month's membership fee for new members who wish to use the service to get to the polls. The promotional code MONTHOFF must be used to receive this benefit.
Navigation and Transit Assistance
In addition to transportation services, technology platforms and public transit agencies are providing resources to facilitate voting.
Google is providing official information regarding in-person voting and ballot dropbox locations through Google Search and Google Maps. The map feature displays hours of operation and the types of voting offered at specific locations. This data is sourced from the Voting Information Project, a collaboration between state/local election officials and the nonpartisan organization Democracy Works.
Moovit has integrated polling locations from 130 counties across 11 states into its trip-planning application. The app also provides access to voter registration information and details on which transit agencies are offering free rides.
Public Transit Agencies: Local transit authorities in various jurisdictions are offering free rides. For example, the Durham County Board of Elections announced that all bus rides will be free on Election Day to encourage voter turnout. Derek Bowens, the director of the Durham County Board of Elections, stated that removing the cost barrier of public transit hopes to enable more registered voters to cast their ballots.
Conclusion
A variety of transportation options are available to assist voters in reaching their polling places this Election Day. From micromobility scooters and ride-hailing services to car rentals and public transit, these offers are designed to reduce transportation barriers. Most discounts and free rides require the use of specific promo codes or app features, and users should verify eligibility and availability in their specific location. Additionally, navigation tools like Google Maps and Moovit offer integrated polling location data to assist with trip planning.