Election Day 2024: How to get discounted and free rides to vote

Tues. Nov. 5 is fast approaching — it's time to get out and vote in the 2024 presidential election.

Although it's always important to vote and have your voice be heard, this year's presidential election feels far more pressing than usual, with the fate of reproductive rights, immigration, education and the economy hanging in the balance. And it's not just the presidency on the ballot — the results of local positions, congressional and gubernatorial elections have the ability to affect the entire country. Plus, the ideological balance of the Senate and House of Representatives could potentially change after voting is complete.

That's why every voter needs to get to the polls and cast their ballots. Information recently compiled by Lyft shows there are now 100,000 fewer polling places than were available during the 2020 election (a 50% decrease since 2018). Additionally, the data shows that just a one-mile increase in distance to polling locations can reduce voter turnout by up to 20%, making rides to the polls more important than ever.

This election season, several organizations and ride-hailing companies will provide free or highly discounted lifts to the polls. So, if you don't have transportation, you can still do your civic duty and cast a vote at your local polling place both on Election Day, Nov. 5 and during early voting.

Here's how to find a ride and what you can expect.

Find a volunteer to drive you for free

If you don't have a car or easy access to public transportation, a number of organizations are here to provide assistance.

Rideshare2Vote helps voters in need of a ride get to their local polling facilities for free. Ridshare2Vote is available in seven swing states (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin), as well as Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. If you live in one of these states and have a car, you can also volunteer to drive others to the polls.

The New Georgia Project's Rides to the Polls program will give free rides to voting sites for Georgia residents on Nov. 5. The organization is also offering free van rides for seniors in the Metro Atlanta area every day during early voting, from Oct. 15 to Nov. 1. Additionally, the organization will provide Lyft rides free of charge during early voting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as on Election Day itself, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lastly, Vote Early Day is working with Lime to offer free e-bikes and scooters from Vote Early Day (Oct. 29) all the way through Election Day, Nov. 5. Use code: VOTE2024.

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Lyft to the polls for voters

Lyft will offer discounted (though not free) car, bike and scooter rides to help get voters to the polls.

Riders can preload the code "VOTE24" to their Lyft accounts before or on Election Day to receive a 50% discount. Passengers can use the code from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in every time zone for a discount of up to $10.

Note: the discount does not apply to tips and cannot be applied to business accounts.

Related: How to easily earn points and miles on your Lyft rides

Uber rides to the polls for voters

This year, Uber is also rolling out a discounted ride program. On Nov. 5, Uber will offer riders 50% off up to $10 across the country (with the exception of California and Georgia) when using the "Go Vote" tile to book a ride.

When you open your Uber app on Election Day, you'll see a new "Go Vote" option on the home screen. Tap the tile, enter your home address, and you'll be directed to the nearest polling station. From there, you'll be prompted to request a ride to go vote, and your local polling place will be automatically added as the destination.

And later, as you watch the results come in on election night, you can get 25% off Uber Eats orders (up to $15, with a $25 minimum order). This promo begins at 6 p.m. local time and doesn't require a special code.

(Note: Uber is no longer offering free rides for poll workers.)

Related: New offers available: Earn American miles, Loyalty Points and statement credits on Uber purchases

Hertz Rental Cars free promotion for voters

Herz is also helping voters get to the polls with its Drive the Vote promotion. Through Nov. 5, Hertz customers can get one free rental day when they reserve a car at participating Hertz neighborhood locations, with a two-day minimum rental requirement. This promotion is part of Hertz's effort to ensure voters have greater access to reliable transportation to and from polling sites.

Related: The complete guide to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Register to vote and know your polling place

Now that you've found your ride, take a few minutes to find your polling station, familiarize yourself with your ballot options and check your voter registration. Visit Ballotpedia to see your local candidates and research local issues.

Many states require you to register to vote prior to Election Day, but there are 20 states, plus Washington, D.C., that allow you to both register and vote on the same day. You can find out what your state's rules are through the National Conference of State Legislatures.

If you're not sure if you're already registered to vote, check your status at VoteAmerica.

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