#FreeRideToVote
A couple of months ago we created an Open Collective to pool money to pay for rides for people to go vote on November 8th. Our political system depends on citizens taking the time to make sure their preferences are considered. Absurd obstacles like voting on a working day, as well as attempts to game the system, like gerrymandering and distant polling stations in vulnerable communities; make the act of voting an unequal exercise. That’s why we created #FreeRidetoVote.
At this stage we have 100 rides to give away and while 100 ballots may not make a great difference on the election result, they will make a difference for those who will now be able to cast their vote. To boost this effort and implement the rides, we partnered with Engine Advocacy, a 501(c)(4) that supports the growth of technology entrepreneurship through economic research, policy analysis, and advocacy on local and national issues.
Together with Engine, we decided to give these rides — and the ones we’ll gather in the coming weeks— to voters in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is a battle ground and as such, voter turnout efforts will have a bigger impact than in other states. Voters will be able to reserve rides on an online form until the money to pay for them runs out.
We ask you to support this initiative and give rides for those who can’t afford to exercise their right to choose how we are going to govern ourselves.
