ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia election officials say rideshare giant Lyft violated state law by offering discounted rides to the polls on Election Day in recent years.

The State Election Board voted 3-1 Tuesday that the company violated a Georgia election law against paying for votes.

The board made its ruling after Michael Brunson, an investigator with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, submitted findings from the office’s investigation into the discounts.

During the meeting, Republican board member Janice Johnston argued that the discounted rides disproportionately benefited Georgians in metro areas compared to rural ones.

Johnston highlighted a finding from the Secretary of State’s Office that Lyft’s offer received more media coverage in metro Atlanta and north Georgia than in other parts of the state.

Sara Tindall Ghazal, the board’s only Democratic member, pointed out that the media coverage was not paid advertisement and was therefore out of Lyft’s control.

Johnston also brought up the potential lack of access to rideshare services like Lyft in rural areas compared to more densely populated urban areas.

“I like the idea of rides to the polls, but it must be offered to every voter in Georgia to be a fair offer,” Johnston said. “Otherwise, it’s a gift or payment to vote.”

Lyft is not facing a fine or criminal charge over the board’s ruling, but instead will be sent a letter informing it of the violation.

Atlanta News First has reached out to Lyft for a response.

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