Uber offers discount in Senate battleground

Uber’s affiliate in Denver is offering discounted rates for voters heading to the polls in Colorado, a crucial state in the battle for control of the Senate.

The ride-sharing car service is offering a 10 percent discount to existing customers who punch in the code “VotCOnow.” It is also offering a $20 free promotion to new customers who type in a similar code. 

{mosads}A quick survey of Uber’s more than 100 separate city blogs based in North America finds that Colorado is the only location advertising Election Day promotions. Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) is facing off in one of the most competitive Senate races in the country against Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).

“On Tuesday, November 4, we all have a big decision to make in the Colorado election. How you get to and from the polls will be the easiest one you make all day,” the company wrote in a blog. 

The company regularly offers discounts, with similar standard promotions for newly signed up users. But the Denver branch is advertising it as a way to get people to the polls. 

It does not appear that riders must actually have their drivers take them to a polling place. 

Similar promotions have taken place in other cities in past years. Uber in Detroit offered a free $30 ride during the 2013 mayoral elections. In Washington, D.C., in 2012, Uber offered a small discount to people who already voted and showed off their “I voted” sticker on social media.