So you didn't get a chance to vote early, and now you're worried that you won't be able to make the polls? No need to panic, as there are a ton of apps that help you vote on Election Day. The list includes several ridesharing apps that will get you a ride to the polls, providing discounts and voting assistance for those who may not know exactly where to go on Tuesday or how to get there. Every vote counts this election — and every election, of course, but the stakes are particularly high right now. So if you need a little help getting there? Here's where to find it.
As an avid supporter of the First Amendment and free speech, I consider voting to be one of the most important things you can do as an American citizen. It upsets me when people say their votes don't count, because nothing could be further from the truth. I lived in a swing state for nearly 15 years, and voting matters a lot. And I love that mobile and tech companies are working to create apps that help people make informed decisions, like Sample Ballot Lookup by Ballotpedia, which explains ballot measures according to state.
Other cool apps to check out include We the People, where you can chat about the election with other politically-minded folks, VoteWithMe, which pinpoints canvassers to friends who are undecided voters, and ISideWith.com, my personal favorite website for figuring out which regional and national election candidates you actually align with on important issues.
I've always thought that one of the most challenging parts of voting on Election Day is actually navigating the streets on Nov. 8 and getting to where you need to be. I mean, the process of actually checking off the appropriate boxes in the voting booth takes less time than a shower in the morning. It's getting to your polling place that's often the problem, especially for those who may not be allowed time off from work in order to vote. (This varies by state.)
Fortunately, these ridesharing apps are coming to rescue. These three picks will help you get your vote in on Tuesday — so if you don't already have a plan already, it's time to start making one.
Uber
Uber is partnering with Google to help people figure out where their polling places are located. Uber riders simply need to open the app on Tuesday (and, in the process, will receive a friendly reminder to vote) and plug in the address for where they're registered to vote. The app will automatically search for the correct polling place, and then riders will request an Uber ride. This will save you lots of time surfing the internet and potentially going to the wrong location.
(Similarly, if you click on Google's Doodle of the day, you'll be redirected to the answer for an automatic question, "Where to vote" for the 2016 Election. You can then type in the address of the location where you're registered to find the correct polling place.)
While Uber will be not be providing free or discounted rides to regular customers, Uber users who sign up for the app on Election Day for the first time can get $20 off their first ride by using the promo code "VOTETODAY."
Lyft
Voting in New York City? On Election Day, Lyft will give New Yorkers a 45 percent discount for a single ride to celebrate the soon-to-be 45th president of the United States. The offer is available in 20 major cities across the country from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, Check the complete list of participating cities to see if you qualify. Also, like Uber, Lyft is providing a promo code of $5 for new customers. Use the code "NOVEMBER8TH" to get $5 off your first 10 rides.
As a Manhattanite, I'm not going to be surprised one bit if transportation (both in the subway and on the streets) is jam-packed all day. There's not much we can do about bad traffic, but at least we'll get a cheaper ride.
Zipcar
Zipcar will be providing 7,000 free cars around the nation on Election Night for people who didn't get the chance to vote during the day. These cars will only be available for free from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This seems like the best deal, but in my opinion, I wouldn't risk a chance to vote just for a free ride.
Images: Bustle; Giphy (3)
