Ride-share companies embrace election frenzy

NEW YORK – Ride-share companies are capitalizing on voter enthusiasm ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections by offering free or discounted rides to the polls in shared cars, bikes and scooters.

They say they are aiming to remove what many consider a barrier to voting: lack of transportation.

Lyft is offering half-price rides to people in need and free rides to people in underserved communities. Uber is offering $10 off a ride to the polls across the country. And Motivate is offering free bike rides.

Midterm elections are often marked by low voter turnout. But political watchers are expecting voter angst over which party will control the U.S. House and Senate, as well as lingering anger by both major parties over Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation, to drive more Americans to cast votes.