How to Get to the Polls for Free on Election Day in Philadelphia

Access to transport may be one of the biggest obstacles for voters who live far from their polling station. For undecided voters, it may even determine whether they vote at all.

That’s why organizations in Philadelphia recruit volunteers from around the country to drive voters to the polls for free or provide promo codes for free rides on Uber and Lyft. Philadelphia’s efforts are supported by at least two movements: Philly Souls to the Polls and Control Your Vote.

“This effort turns every registration into a vote. We want to be a force multiplier and reach people who often don’t vote,” said Tom Conrad, local organizer of Philly Souls to the Polls. “Undecided voters decide very late whether they will vote, and if we can remove the transportation barrier, it will mean the difference between voting and not voting for many people.”

These groups are nonpartisan and focused on breaking down barriers and preserving democracy, Conrad said, pointing to the 2020 election when One in three registered voters in Philadelphia stayed home on election day.

In addition to free rides from volunteers, Uber and Lyft also offer discounted rides to the polls. Here’s how to get to the polls in Philadelphia for free or discounted rates on Election Day, November 5th.

How to vote for free in Philadelphia

Philly Souls to the Polls and Drive Your Ballot are offering voters a free ride to the polls on Election Day, November 5th. There are no qualifications or questions asked, just sign up for the ride.

The groups are urging voters to register by Nov. 5, but registration will remain open throughout Election Day.

Philadelphia Souls to the polls

Voters who register will receive a call from the driver on Election Day, 10 to 15 minutes before the meeting. Drivers will wait for voters to vote and then take them home.

Manage your newsletter

Voters can receive either a volunteer driver or a promo code for a free ride on Uber or Lyft.

How to Get a Discount on an Uber or Lyft Ride for the Philadelphia Elections

Lyft is offering 50% off (up to $10) on rides to the polls on Election Day. Use promo code VOTE24 when planning a trip to get a discount. The code is valid only for trips booked on November 5, from 5:00 to 22:00.

Uber is offering 50% off (up to $10) on rides to the polls on Election Day. When you open the Uber app on Election Day, a new dedicated “Go to Vote” button will appear on your home screen. By clicking the “Go Vote” button, passengers can book a ride to the polling location and a discount will be applied to the ride.

Hungry? Uber is also offering 25% off Uber Eats orders (up to $15) on Election Day. To be eligible, orders must be $25 or more.

How to Volunteer to Drive Voters to the Polls in Philadelphia

Philly Souls to the Polls received so many volunteer requests that it put its hiring on hold.

Drive Your Ballot is in need of volunteer drivers and ride coordinators for Election Day. Register as a volunteer online on the website Driveyourballot.com/volunteer.