According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement,
around 15 million registered voters say they didn't make it to the polls in 2016 because of transportation issues. That's an astounding number, one that could have changed the outcome of thousands of elections across the country.
Many of those who didn't get to wear an "I voted" sticker were from poor or minority communities. In fact, according to a 2014 Pew study,
close to 50% of nonvoting households earn less than $30,000 and 40% of that group is comprised of Hispanics, African-Americans or other minority groups.
Knowing that, the
rideshare company Lyft has decided to partner with various organizations to make getting to the polls a little less burdensome on people's pocketbooks. On Election Day, the company will offer free and discounted rides, specifically focusing on lower-income areas that are likely to have a higher stay-at-home rate because of transportation or financial woes.
But there is another rideshare company that has nearly double that of Lyft's marketshare that could also pitch in to make sure Americans from all incomes have their voices heard.
Uber, the market leader should take this moment and join Lyft in offering free rides to make sure that even more of those who need it can get to the polls. Please sign the petition and ask Uber to offer free rides to the polls on Election Day.
Photo credit: Quinn Dombrowski