Georgia Election Board Rules Lyft Violated Election Law with Discounted Rides to Polls

Georgia’s State Election Board found that rideshare company Lyft violated state election law by offering discounted rides to voters heading to the polls. At a Tuesday meeting, the board voted 3-1 to issue Lyft a letter alleging the company violated the provision prohibiting giving money or gifts to influence voting. While such violations are felony offenses, the board is not imposing fines or pursuing criminal charges.

The issue arose from two complaints filed before the 2022 general election. One targeted Rideshare2vote, a nonprofit providing free rides to increase Democratic turnout; the other targeted Lyft for its discounted ride program. After investigation, the board dismissed the complaint against Rideshare2vote, finding it did not discriminate by political affiliation.

However, Lyft’s discount program, which offered reduced fares (not free rides), sparked more debate. Republican board member Janice Johnston argued that the discounts amounted to “vote hauling” and unfairly benefited urban voters with better access to rideshare services. Johnston pushed for enforcement despite a staff recommendation to dismiss the complaint.

Democratic board member Sara Tindall Ghazal countered, noting that churches and community groups often provide rides on Election Day in limited areas, and that requiring statewide availability for such services is unrealistic.

Ultimately, the board decided to send Lyft a letter informing them of the violation. Attorney General Chris Carr’s office has not commented on the matter. Lyft did not respond to requests for comment.