Rock the Vote

Uber offers free rides for new users on election day to get voters to the polls

Uber is offering "freedom rides" to new users going to the polls. Up to thefirst $20.12 of the ride will be covered by Uber and Rock the Vote.
Photo courtesy of Uber
Early voting ended November 2, so your last chance to vote is November 6.
Uber debuted in Dallas in September. The app-based driving service allows usersto order rides from their phones.

App-based driving service Uber, which debuted in Dallas in September, is running a promotion November 6 that will spur new business as well as the democratic process.

Uber teamed up with Rock the Vote so that new users can enter the promo code “VOTEUBER” during the sign-up process for a “freedom ride” to their polling place.

The “freedom ride” will cover the first $20.12 of the rider’s bill so long as the ride begins or ends at a polling location.

This “freedom ride” will cover the first $20.12 of the rider’s bill so long as the ride begins or ends at a polling location.

You’ll have to download the app to your iPhone or Android, or you can use the mobile site.

We reported on Uber when it first came to Dallas in September, after its initial launch in San Francisco two years ago. Rates are higher than most taxi services, but you can order a ride from your phone, so you pay for quality and convenience.

The app allows you to see how many drivers are in your area, and you can track your driver as he or she comes to you. The company keeps your credit card on file, so no worries if you have no cash.

So if you’ve been on the fence about using Uber, or you are new to the idea, it might be worth checking out on election day. You can pretend you’re Romney, rolling up like big money to vote. Or you can grab a few friends, each get your own ride and act like the presidential motorcade.

unspecified

State of innovation

Texas ranks among 5 best states to start a business in 2025

Photo by Mykyta Kravčenko on Unsplash

Texas' friendly business climate has allowed the state to regain its rightful position among the top five best states to start a new business.

As one of the largest states in the U.S., it's no surprise Texas is big on business and entrepreneurship. Now the state is earning new praise among WalletHub's 2025 list of "Best & Worst States to Start a Business."

The Lone Star State claimed the No. 4 spot in the report's rankings — putting Texas in a better shape than it was last year when it earned No. 8 in WalletHub's 2024 report.

The study compared all 50 states across 25 metrics to determine the best places to start, grow, and find success with a new business. Factors that were considered include the number of startups per capita, job growth rates, financing accessibility measures, labor costs, and corporate tax rates.

The three states to outperform Texas are Florida (No. 1), Georgia (No. 2), and Utah (No. 3). Idaho rounded out the top five.

Across the study's three main categories, Texas performed the best in the "business environment" rank, earning No. 1 nationally. This section compared the states based on its five-year business survival rates, average business revenues growth, and more.

Texas ranked No. 12 in the nationwide comparison of "access to resources" – which covers working age population growth, venture investment amounts per capita, and other means – and earned a fair No. 34 in the report's "business costs" ranking.

But Texas can still do better with its business friendliness to reclaim a top-three overall ranking, which the state last earned in 2023.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report that it is imperative for potential new business owners to establish their enterprise in a place that can maximize their ability to succeed.

"Around half of all new businesses don’t survive five years, so the idea of becoming a business owner can be daunting, especially with the current high cost of living," Lupo said. "The best states have low corporate tax rates, strong economies, an abundance of reliable workers, easy access to financing and affordable real estate. On top of that, you’ll need to make sure you start in a place with an engaged customer base, if you’re operating locally."

Dallas has also proven to be at the top of the destination list for entrepreneurs who are looking for their next venture.

The top 10 best states to start a new business in 2025 are:

No. 1 – Florida
No. 2 – Georgia
No. 3 – Utah
No. 4 – Texas
No. 5 – Idaho
No. 6 – Oklahoma
No. 7 – Nevada
No. 8 – Colorado
No. 9 – Arizona
No. 10 – Kentucky

business entrepreneurship rankings texas wallethub