How to get access to free and discounted travel to polling stations on election day

If you’re planning to vote on Election Day and need a ride to your local polling station, you might be in luck.

Numerous transportation agencies and companies throughout Michigan are offering free or reduced fares to get voters to the polls on Nov. 5 or to early voting locations this week.

Here’s what you need to know about how to access free or discounted transportation on Election Day.

Why is transport access important?

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a news release that Michigan voters have many options to help them get to the polls this election.

“It is important that transportation does not impede any eligible Michigan citizen and their access to the ballot box,” Benson said in a news release. “I’m glad that lawmakers worked to end the ban on rides to polling places, and I’m grateful to the organizations that stepped up to provide transportation to citizens who need it to vote.

“These services will be essential for many, especially senior citizens and voters with disabilities, so that every eligible voter can make their voice heard in this election,” she said.

Who can I invite to drive to the polling stations for free?

A complete list of vehicles for voters is available onlinebut here are some organizations that offer travel options.

Bay Area Transit Authority of Grand Traverse County, Leelanau County, Traverse City — BATA will offer free travel on Election Day on its Loop shuttle buses. Call BATA Customer Service at 231-941-2324, go to BATA website, batabustracker.com, Google maps or the Transit app.
Capital Area Transportation Authority, EATRAN and Clinton Transit in the Lansing area — Free rides are now available until Election Day, just tell the driver you’re going to vote or register to vote. Go to CATA website for more information.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Detroit Alumni Chapter Detroit, Grosse Points, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park — On the day of the elections, wheelchairs will be accessible to the polling stations and back. Call 888-328-4283 or email [email protected] to book a ride.
Detroit Bus Company in Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park — Free travel will be available after 9 a.m. on election day. Call 313-444-2871 or fill out the form online form request a ride
Detroit Downriver APRI in Allen Park, Brownstown, Detroit, Ecors, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Oak Park, River Rouge, Riverview, Southfield, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton — Free travel is available now until Election Day. Book your trip at least a day in advance through online form.
Dial-A-Ride in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph — Free travel is available for early voting until Sunday, November 3, and on election day. Call, preferably 24 hours in advance, at 269-927-4461 to arrange a ride.
Flint churches — Free travel is available now until Election Day. Call 810-955-4495 or 810-282-3067 to book a ride.
Grand Rapids APRI in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming — On election day, travel is free from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 616-558-5666 to book a ride.
I-Ride in Isabella County — Free transportation is available until Sunday, November 3, to early voting locations and to polling places on Election Day. Call, preferably within 24 hours, 989-772-9441 to book a ride.
REASONABLE — SMART buses will run free of charge throughout the day on election day to accommodate voters.

Who offers discounted travel to the polling stations?

On Election Day, Lyft and Uber will offer discounted rides to the polls.

How to get access to polling stations with a discount on travel?

Elevator will offer a 50% discount on a single ride to or from the polling station on Election Day by using the discount code VOTE24 when booking your ride online. The code applies to shared rides, bike rides or scooter rides and is valid from 5:00am to 10:00pm in each time zone. Preload the code on or before Election Day when booking a Lyft ride.

Uber will offer a 50% discount on one trip to the polling station on Election Day by clicking Go Vote when booking your trip online to activate the promo code. Please check before booking as the discount is not available in all states. One-time offer valid from 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM local time.

Uber will also offer 25% off orders of $25 or more on the evening of Election Day. Offer valid from 6:00 PM local time on November 5th until 7:00 AM local time on November 6th.

Contact Jenna Prestininci: [email protected].