Img source: naacp.org
May 1, 2024 Story by: Publisher
In a bid to enhance voter accessibility during elections, the NAACP has forged a partnership with the ride-hailing giant Lyft to offer rides to polling stations on Election Day.
Dubbed the 2024 Lyft Up Voting Access Program, the initiative aims to disseminate crucial voting information while providing complimentary and discounted rides to polling stations. It will also aid both riders and drivers in voter registration, preparation, and understanding ID requirements.
Derrick Johnson, president, and CEO of the NAACP, emphasized the importance of defending voting rights, especially amidst ongoing challenges. He stated, “During a time where our most sacred right to vote is under attack, we must fight back with every tool at our disposal.”
As anticipation builds for the upcoming elections, ensuring access to ballot boxes remains a paramount concern. Despite record turnout in 2020, several states have enacted legislation that could hinder voting rights, including reduced access to drop boxes and restrictions on mail-in ballots.
The NAACP has been vocal about the disproportionate impact of these laws on Black voters. Johnson highlighted the persistent challenges faced by many Americans, particularly Black Americans, in accessing affordable transportation to polling stations.
The Lyft Up Voting Access Program, a bipartisan initiative held biennially for the past decade, has facilitated voting for over 3 million individuals. This year, Lyft aims to increase ride volume by 25 percent, offering discounted and free rides to polling places.
Citing a 2021 study, Lyft CEO David Risher underscored the importance of removing transportation barriers to voting, ensuring every citizen can exercise their democratic right without financial constraints or logistical difficulties.
In a bid to engage young voters, Lyft has expanded its outreach efforts. Alongside the NAACP, partnerships with Levi Strauss & Co. and Showtime/MTV have been established to mobilize community college students, a demographic with historically low voter turnout rates.
Further bolstering the initiative, Lyft has collaborated with nonprofit organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), and the Hispanic Federation. These partnerships aim to distribute ride codes directly to individuals identified as needing transportation assistance, ensuring access to polling locations, including registered dropbox sites.
Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and CEO of NCNW, emphasized the significance of eliminating barriers to voting, particularly for marginalized communities with a history of voter suppression. She asserted, “The Black community and women have historically experienced the ills of voter suppression. NCNW proudly stands to advance this collaboration to ensure that no barriers prohibit any eligible voter the opportunity to exercise their right to participate in our democracy.”
