(NewsNation) — While constituents in some states are guaranteed hours off to cast their ballot on Election Day, it doesn’t mean those voters can get to their polling location easily.
And recent trends show many aren’t. The 2024 election is already leaning heavily toward the mail-in and early vote, with an NBC News poll showing half of voters plan to vote early. Early voting records have already been shattered in Georgia and North Carolina, many of which are mail-in ballots.
But for those looking to do their civic duty in person on Nov. 5, rideshare apps and governmental bodies alike are trying to help folks turn out to vote.
Transportation apps add Election Day deal
Apps like Uber and Lyft are offering customers political price cuts.
Uber has promised half-off rides (up to $10) on Election Day as well as a polling place location feature that will help voters not only identify their spot but book a ride to it.
Lyft, which offers both vehicle pickup and bike and scooter rental, boasts the same deal: 50% off the cost of the ride up to $10. You’ll have to load the code VOTE2024 on the app to access the deal, which is available from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in every time zone.
Other organizations, like the Democratic-leaning RideShare2Vote, allow voters to reserve a ride to their polling place in more than a dozen states.
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Some public transportation goes fare-free
In 2020, 10 major transit systems across the United States, along with medium and small systems, offered fare-free rides to the polls.
Those cities varied from Los Angeles to Atlanta, with fare-free exceptions made in the relatively smaller New Orleans, Louisiana; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Akron, Ohio, among many others, according to Mass Transit reporting.
The push came from a March 2021 executive order from President Joe Biden, who directed the federal government’s agencies to “evaluate ways to promote voting registration and participation.”
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This time around, many of the same cities are making their transit systems free once again, helping close transportation barriers for America’s voters.
“Public transportation plays an important role connecting millions of Americans to jobs, vital services, and civic participation, including voting,” the administration said in a 2022 release. “Transit providers across the country are distinctly positioned to reduce some of the obstacles Americans face to exercising their sacred, fundamental right to vote.”
Mail-in voting
Mail-in voting has become universally accepted by states across the country.
In several places, ballots are sent automatically to registered voters, providing the option for ballots to be returned by mail or to a designated drop-box rather than voting taking place in person.
Ballots are mailed out long before Election Day, and voters are provided with specific instructions about how the ballot should be returned to be counted.
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The mailing envelope in which the ballot is returned includes an affidavit which is required to be signed by the voter. Mail-in voting has become a more viable option for many residents, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Center For Election Innovation & Research, voting by mail is not only secure but has been an integral way of keeping elections secure and accessible.
NewsNation’s Jeff Arnold contributed to this report.
