Salford residents have been offered free e-scooter rides to polling stations on the day of the local elections to encourage higher voter participation.
People travelling to polling stations on 7 May to cast their vote for one of 109 candidates standing across the city’s 20 wards can do so using free 15-minute scooter rides there and back, thanks to transport provider Lime.
Local elections often see lower turnout than general elections despite decisions made at a local level having a direct impact on day-to-day life. Research also shows that people are prevented from voting by “logistical or bureaucratic barriers” – underlining how practical obstacles, including travelling to the polling station, can limit participation.
As part of its “Lime to the Polls” initiative, together with My Life My Say, a charity which works to empower young people to vote, riders will be able to access two free 15-minute journeys across Salford where Lime operates by entering a code in the app on the day.
The offer can be accessed by entering the code VOTEUK2026 in the Lime app on 7 May.
Alice Pleasant, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Lime, said the scheme intends to improve access to polling stations and therefore improve voter turnout.
“We want to make it that bit easier for people to get to the polling station on 7 May. Local elections shape the things people deal with every day, and something as simple as getting there shouldn’t be a barrier.
“If a free ride helps a few more people show up and have their say, that’s a good thing.”
Dan Lawes, Co-CEO, My Life My Say, said: “Following our massive push to get young people onto the electoral roll for the 2026 elections, the ‘Give an X’ campaign is now focused on encouraging everyone to get out and use their vote.
“We’re delighted to be working with Lime to offer free rides on election day, helping to remove the practical barriers that can often get in the way on polling day. We’re calling on young voters to grab a scooter on 7 May and make sure their voices are heard in these local elections.”
Voters are reminded that they will need to take ID to the polling stations in order to vote.
The list of candidates standing in Salford’s 7 May local elections is available here.
