Uber, Lyft, Zipcar and others to help voters go to the polls

NEW YORK – Companies calling taxi drivers are reaping the enthusiasm of voters for Tuesday's midterm elections by offering free or reduced-rate polls for polls on shared cars, motorcycles and scooters.

They say they want to eliminate what many see as a barrier to voting: lack of transportation.

Mid-term elections are often marked by low voter turnout, but political observers expect the party to control the US party and Senate, as well as the persistent anger of the two main parties as a result of the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, to push more Americans to vote votes.

"This mid-year election season has affected the population flow of the American people like never before," said Stephanie Young, spokeswoman for When We All Vote, a non-profit association that has partnered with Uber and Lyft to convince voters to go to the polls. .

When We Vote is co-chaired by Michelle Obama and helps people register and vote. The organization is technically non-partisan, but several members of the celebrity co-chairs list such as Tom Hanks and Chris Paul have strongly criticized President Donald Trump.

Lyft is also working with Voto Latino – whose co-founder, Rosario Dawson, has urged voters to choose Democrats to fight Trump's immigration policies – as well as with non-profit organizations that help them. Blind people and veterans to distribute discount codes and to identify free trips. necessary.

Lyft's efforts have been promoted on social networks by celebrities such as actor Samuel Jackson, another Trump critic.

Uber is proposing a $ 10 reduction in votes at polling stations across the country and added a feature in its application that helps customers find their polling stations by typing in a personal address.

"We want to do our part"

"In this crucially important election, we want to do our part and use Uber 's technology to carry out the vote," said Uber chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, in a statement. an email. "Decisions are made by those who show up, and we think Uber can help voters to come forward like never before."

Zipcar, which allows members to rent cars every hour, offers a $ 20 credit on the evening of the election, enough to cover about two hours of driving, said spokeswoman Katelyn Chesley. Zipcar has been offering discounts for election-related rides since the company's inception in 2000, said Chesley.

"Many people have busy schedules during the day and we just want to make sure every last voice is heard," said Chesley.

This is the second time that Lyft offers free or low-rate polls for polls and the first for Uber.

Eliminate a "pain point"

In 2016, 15 million eligible voters cited transportation as one of the main reasons they did not vote, according to the Center 's Information and Research Center. civic learning and engagement at Tufts University. We therefore wish to "use our platform to eliminate this problem from the voting process," said Mike Masserman, head of social impact at Lyft, in an email.

Motivate, which operates most self-serve bike programs in the United States, is offering for the first time free cycling passes on election day in nine of its markets. Lime offers free rides on its bikes and scooters.

Uber is refining its public relations image in anticipation of an initial public offering in the next year. Promoting election day is "a clear sign of consumer goodwill while deploying clever marketing tactics," said Rohit Kulkarni, general manager of private investment research. at SharesPost.

"Let's not forget that these companies have had many clashes with communities and that's a good way to show their support to the communities," said Mike Ramsey, director of research at Gartner. "They are probably talking about the Zeitgeist that these elections are very important for many people on both sides."