Lyft to Provide Free Rides for Voters During the 2020 Primary Season

That excuse that you couldn’t get to the polls will be null and void this election cycle. Lyft has announced that they will be providing voters with free rides to the polls during the 2020 presidential primaries.

Their Voting Access Program is an expanded initiative that started last year when they offered voters in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada, 50% off their rides to the election polls last October. Based on a recent study from the last presidential election, it was estimated that more than 15 million eligible voters didn’t go to the polls in large part because they lacked a way to get there. In order to encourage more people to perform their civic duty, this initiative should lower that number this election year.

According to the ride-sharing company, “Our Voting Access Program is part of our recently-launched LyftUp initiative—a comprehensive effort to expand transportation access to those who need it most. LyftUp bridges the most serious transportation gaps in cities across North America—using free and discounted rides to help address challenges like joblessness, food insecurity, and poor health.”

The ride-share company announced the initiative on its Twitter account.

In the last presidential election, it’s estimated more than 15 million eligible voters didn’t go to the polls because they lacked a way to get there.

Together with select non-profits, we’re helping voters exercise their right to vote. Join us: https://t.co/3sg1bDMB9Y #LyftUp pic.twitter.com/vFRWepiw5y

— Lyft (@lyft) January 31, 2020

The program is starting with this week’s Iowa Caucus and will go on through all primaries and caucuses leading up to the general election in the fall. Lyft will be offering free rides through a number of nonprofit partners. Their partners will assist in distributing rides directly to people within their networks that they will identify as most in need of free transportation. The listed partners include League of Women Voters, National Federation of the Blind, Student Veterans of America, National Urban League, and Voto Latino Foundation.

“Over the next few months, we’ll share more information on Lyft’s effort to expand access to voting and other forms of civic engagement in 2020—ensuring you can get to the polls and make your voice heard, no matter who or what you vote for,” stated the ride-share company.