Election Day Freebies And Deals How Businesses Reward Voters In 2024

Election Day in the United States has become not just a day for civic duty but also an opportunity for consumers to receive special offers and freebies from businesses across the country. On November 5, 2024, numerous companies are offering promotions ranging from free food and drinks to discounted transportation services as a way to encourage voter participation and reward citizens for exercising their right to vote. These offers vary by location and participating establishment, with most requiring proof of voting such as an "I Voted" sticker or simply being available to all customers regardless of voting status.

Food and Drink Freebies

The most popular category of Election Day freebies comes from food and beverage establishments. These businesses use the occasion to attract customers while simultaneously supporting civic engagement.

Krispy Kreme stands out as one of the most generous participants, offering a free Original Glazed donut to all customers, with no purchase necessary and no requirement to show proof of voting. The company has branded this promotion as "DOUGHmocracy." Additionally, Krispy Kreme is providing free "I Voted" stickers to customers who voted early or sent their ballot by mail.

Dunkin' is another major coffee chain participating in Election Day promotions, offering a free medium coffee to customers who present their "I Voted" sticker. This promotion provides voters with a caffeinated reward for their civic participation.

Johnny Rockets, a burger chain, is offering free milkshakes with any in-store purchase. Customers must mention the "Free Shake" offer at the register, though this promotion does not include Craig's Vegan Shakes. Locations in both Los Angeles and other areas are participating in this offer.

Auntie Anne's Pretzels is providing a free pretzel to customers who order through the Auntie Anne's app, making this offer accessible to those who prefer digital ordering.

Shake Shack is participating by offering free fries with any purchase when customers show their "I Voted" sticker. This fast-casual chain is joining numerous other restaurants in rewarding voters with complimentary food items.

Insomnia Cookies is offering a free cookie to customers who present their "I Voted" sticker, providing a sweet treat for those who have completed their civic duty.

Starbucks is approaching Election Day promotions differently by offering a $5 gift card to new Rewards members, encouraging new sign-ups while still rewarding voters indirectly.

Taco Bell is offering a free taco with any purchase, making this Mexican fast-food chain another option for voters seeking a complimentary meal.

Buffalo Wild Wings is providing free wings with any $10 purchase, giving voters an opportunity to enjoy their favorite appetizer at no additional cost.

Boston Market is implementing a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on individual meals, perfect for voters looking for a fulfilling lunch or dinner.

Jersey Mike's Subs is offering $2 off any sub for app users, providing a discount for those who prefer to order through the mobile application.

MOD Pizza is participating with a buy-one-get-one-free pizza offer, ideal for voters planning to share a meal with friends or family.

Smoothie King is offering $1 off any smoothie for app users, providing a refreshing option for voters looking to cool down after casting their ballots.

Fazoli's, an Italian restaurant chain, is offering $2 off any of three specific pasta dishes: chicken parmigiano, loaded baked spaghetti, and spicy baked ziti with Italian sausage. This offer is available to guests who have cast their ballots.

Yogurtland is providing 15% off at the frozen yogurt shop for customers who show their "I Voted" sticker, with seasonal flavors like Brown Vanilla Sugar and Cranberry Orange Tart available for discounted purchase.

Dave & Buster's is offering $5 beers on Election Day, providing a relaxing option for voters looking to unwind after participating in the electoral process.

Flat Top Grill is offering 20% off the in-store tab (excluding alcohol) for customers who present their voting sticker, making it an attractive option for those seeking a customizable dining experience.

Great American Cookies is offering a free regular cookie to voters, adding another sweet option to the Election Day freebies lineup.

Firehouse Subs is providing a free medium drink with proof of voting, giving voters a refreshing beverage to complement their meal.

Noodles & Company is asking customers to cast a vote for their favorite mac and cheese and then offering a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a regular bowl, combining civic engagement with a food promotion.

East Coast Wings and Grill is offering five free honey BBQ chicken wings with an entree on Election Day, providing another appetizer option for voters.

Chuck E Cheese is providing a coupon code (5253) for a free personal pepperoni pizza with any pizza purchase, making it a family-friendly option for those with children.

Bob Evans is offering a coupon for 30% off the entire order for voters, providing significant savings for those dining at this family restaurant.

Junior's Restaurant & Cheesecake, located in Brooklyn, New York, is offering half off cheesecake slices with any entree, along with $5 off whole cakes in-restaurant and $7 off all cakes online through Thursday, giving voters multiple ways to enjoy this Election Day promotion.

Piola Pizzeria, with locations in Houston, is offering a free Margherita pizza with the purchase of a beverage for customers who show their "I Voted" sticker. This promotion is available for dine-in voters only at both their Memorial and Midtown locations.

Transportation Deals

Transportation companies are also getting in on the Election Day freebies trend by offering discounted rides to polling places, making it easier for citizens to access their voting locations.

Uber is offering 50% off rides to polling locations, with the discount applying automatically when users select the "Go Vote!" feature in the app on Election Day. The discount is capped at $10. Additionally, Uber Eats is offering 25% off orders up to $15 with a $25 minimum order value, with this offer available from 6 p.m. local time on November 5 to 7 a.m. local time on November 6.

Lyft is matching Uber's offer with a 50% discount (up to $10) on Election Day rides to polling sites. Users can preload the ride code VOTE24 on or before November 5 to access this promotion.

Lime, the electric scooter company, is offering free 30-minute rides to and from polling places from October 29 through November 5 when users apply the code VOTE2024 in the app. This provides voters with an eco-friendly transportation option to reach their polling destination.

Zipcar is offering more than 7,000 cars free on Election Day to help voters reach polling locations. Users must reserve the Zipcar online or through the app to take advantage of this offer.

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond food and transportation, various retailers and service providers are offering Election Day promotions to attract customers.

IKEA is providing one free frozen yogurt at participating Swedish Bistros on Election Day. Customers must present either a printed or electronic version of the coupon linked in IKEA's promotional materials to receive this complimentary treat.

Hertz, the car rental company, is offering one free day on Election Day when customers rent a vehicle for at least two days, providing an incentive for those needing transportation before or after voting.

Go To Meeting is offering a 30-day free trial of their web conferencing service for customers who sign up by Election Day, providing an opportunity for users to test this business service without commitment.

Health and Fitness Offers

Health and fitness companies are also participating in Election Day promotions by offering free services to voters.

Planet Fitness is offering free access to its facilities on Election Day, helping voters stay active and potentially manage any stress associated with the election process.

Gold's Gym is providing free access to its locations for voters, giving another option for those looking to exercise after or before casting their ballots.

How to Access These Deals

To take advantage of Election Day freebies and deals, consumers should follow these general steps:

1. Vote: First and foremost, citizens should exercise their right to vote at their designated polling location.
2. Obtain proof: Many food and drink offers require an "I Voted" sticker, which is typically provided at polling locations.
3. Check participation: Not all locations of participating chains may offer these promotions, so it's advisable to check with local establishments beforehand.
4. Use apps: Many deals require the use of specific apps (Uber, Lyft, Auntie Anne's, etc.), so users should ensure these are downloaded and ready to use.
5. Follow instructions: Some offers require specific codes (VOTE2024 for Lime, VOTE24 for Lyft) or mentioning specific phrases ("Free Shake" at Johnny Rockets).
6. Check terms: Be aware of any purchase requirements, expiration times, or other conditions that may apply to each offer.

Conclusion

Election Day freebies have become a significant tradition in the United States, with businesses across various sectors offering promotions to reward voters and encourage civic participation. From complimentary food and drinks to discounted transportation services and free fitness access, these offers provide tangible benefits to citizens who exercise their right to vote. While the availability of these promotions may vary by location and participating establishment, they collectively demonstrate how private businesses can support democratic processes while simultaneously attracting customers. As Election Day 2024 approaches, voters have numerous opportunities to enjoy these rewards while fulfilling their civic duty.

Sources

1. MoneyLion: 20 Election Day Freebies and Deals to Reward You for Voting Today
2. CBS News: Election Day Deals 2024 Restaurants
3. Secrets of San Francisco: Election Day Freebies SF
4. ABC11: Election Day Freebies and Deals
5. Delish: Election Day Freebies and Deals
6. Live Now Fox: Election Day Freebies and Deals 2024
7. Click2Houston: Election Day Freebies What Free Things and Deals Are Going On Tuesday