Election Day Freebies Food Drinks And Special Offers For Voters

Election Day has become more than just a civic duty for many Americans—it has also evolved into an opportunity to score free food, drinks, and other special offers from businesses across the country. While technically illegal under federal law to offer free goods or services specifically in exchange for voting, numerous businesses have established traditions of providing Election Day deals to encourage civic participation. These offers range from complimentary doughnuts and discounted beer to free transportation and retail discounts, creating a unique incentive for Americans to participate in the democratic process.

Food and Beverage Offers

Food and beverage establishments have historically been among the most generous providers of Election Day freebies. These offers typically require proof of voting, usually in the form of an "I Voted" sticker, though some businesses have adjusted their promotions to avoid potential legal issues.

Doughnut chains have been particularly active in Election Day promotions. Krispy Kreme has established a tradition of offering free doughnuts to voters. According to company representatives, "A healthy, vibrant democracy depends on engaged citizens who vote. We're happy to celebrate voters and our democracy by giving everyone a free Original Glazed doughnut on Election Day." The company has made a habit of giving away its signature glazed doughnuts, having previously offered free treats to individuals who received COVID-19 vaccinations, distributing approximately 1.5 million doughnuts by June 2021.

For those seeking caffeinated beverages, 7-Eleven has offered free coffee of any size to customers using its mobile app at participating stores. This digital requirement helps streamline the redemption process while ensuring only eligible customers receive the offer.

The beer industry has also embraced Election Day promotions. World of Beer, with locations across the country, has invited voters to "come together over a pint of common good" by offering their first beer for $1 when mentioning the promotion to their server. Similarly, Playalinda Brewing Co. in Titusville, Florida, has provided $1 off its first Playalinda-brewed beer to customers wearing their "I Voted" sticker in the evening.

Fast-casual restaurants have developed creative promotions to engage voters. California Tortilla has offered free chips and queso with any purchase to customers who say one of three specific phrases: "I vote for queso," "Make queso great again," or "I'm with Queso." Bob Evans has provided 30 percent off any dine-in or carryout order after 2 p.m., though this particular promotion may require a coupon depending on the source.

Other notable food and beverage offers have included: - Chameleon Cold-Brew offering a voucher for a free 10-ounce cold brew when posting a selfie with an "I Voted" sticker on Instagram and tagging @ChameleonColdBrew with #FuelTheVote - Bobo's providing a coupon for a free vegan, gluten-free oat bar by sharing on social media with @eatbobos and using #GetOatTheVote - HopCat giving away free orders of Crack Fries with any purchase - White Castle offering a free gallon of iced tea with the purchase of a Crave Case, requiring either presentation of a coupon in restaurants or use of the promo code USA when ordering online - Firehouse Subs providing a free medium drink when showing an "I Voted" sticker - &pizza offering free drinks for anyone that casts their vote

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond food and beverages, various retail and service businesses have offered Election Day specials to encourage voter participation. These promotions have ranged from percentage discounts to complimentary services, often requiring proof of voting.

In the retail sector, clothing stores have participated in the Election Day freebies phenomenon. Evelyn & Arthur, a women's clothing retailer with a location in Sewall's Point, has announced plans to close on Election Day "in an effort to raise awareness about and to encourage voting." When stores reopen the following day, shoppers who provide proof they voted—either through a photo taken outside the polls or by presenting their voting sticker—receive 20 percent off one item of their choice.

Fitness centers have also joined in offering Election Day specials. Gold's Gym has provided free access to local facilities to individuals who present a valid "I Voted" sticker, encouraging members to maintain their fitness routines while fulfilling their civic duty.

Transportation companies have implemented unique Election Day promotions to help voters reach polling stations. Uber has featured an in-app feature that helps users find their polling place and request rides to the location. First-time customers can use the promo code VOTETODAY for $20 off their first ride. Similarly, Lyft has offered free or discounted rides to polling locations, though specific details about promotions varied by year and location.

Car-sharing services have also participated in the Election Day freebies. Zipcar has made over 7,000 vehicles free for members to use from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Election Day as part of its #DRIVEtheVOTE initiative. Members could reserve vehicles starting at 9 a.m. on November 3 up until Election Day itself.

Entertainment and Other Offers

Beyond food, retail, and services, entertainment venues and other organizations have provided Election Day specials to encourage civic participation.

Movie theaters have offered special viewing opportunities for election-related content. AMC Theatres has provided Stubs reward members with the opportunity to watch CNN coverage of election results on the big screen in designated red or blue theaters at 6:30 p.m. on Election Day. This offer has been available in cities including Orlando, Baltimore, Chicago, and Philadelphia, among others.

Non-profit organizations have also played a role in supporting voters on Election Day. Pizza to the Polls, a group that delivers pizza to polling locations, has gained recognition for its efforts. The organization began in 2016 after reports of long lines at early voting sites, when volunteers "sent in delivery pizzas to feed the crowds," according to the group's website. This initiative has continued to grow, providing both sustenance and encouragement to voters waiting in line.

Museums and cultural institutions have occasionally adjusted their admission policies around Election Day. The Field Museum in Chicago initially offered free admission to voters who showed their "I Voted" sticker but later modified the offer to provide free admission to anyone in Illinois after concerns about the legality of conditioning free admission on proof of voting.

Important Considerations

While Election Day freebies have become a popular tradition, both businesses and consumers should be aware of several important considerations regarding these promotions.

The legality of offering free goods or services specifically in exchange for voting has been a subject of debate. According to legal experts, "It is illegal in elections when federal candidates are on the ballot to offer free stuff (including free food or drink) to people upon proof of voting." This legal concern has led some businesses to modify their promotions to avoid directly conditioning offers on proof of voting.

Participation requirements and restrictions vary significantly among offers. Some promotions require an "I Voted" sticker, while others may require social media posts, coupon codes, or simply mentioning a specific phrase. Many offers are limited to one per customer and may not be combinable with other promotions.

Regional variations in offers are common, with many promotions being available only at specific locations or within certain geographic areas. Some offers are only available during specific time windows, such as Zipcar's free usage from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Election Day.

Businesses may also change their promotions from year to year, with some offers being available during presidential elections but not during other elections. For example, some sources indicate that Election Day freebies have been more prevalent during presidential elections than during other types of elections.

Conclusion

Election Day freebies have become a unique tradition in American commerce, with businesses across various sectors offering special deals and promotions to encourage voter participation. From complimentary doughnuts at Krispy Kreme and discounted beer at World of Beer to free rides from Uber and discounts at retail stores, these offers provide voters with tangible benefits for exercising their civic duty.

While the legality of conditioning offers on proof of voting remains a concern for some businesses, many continue to provide Election Day specials as a way to engage with customers and demonstrate support for the democratic process. Consumers interested in taking advantage of these offers should check with local businesses for specific details, as participation requirements and availability can vary significantly by location and year.

As Election Day approaches, voters may find that their trip to the polls comes with additional perks beyond the satisfaction of participating in democracy. Whether it's a free doughnut, discounted beer, or complimentary service, these offers have become an increasingly common part of the American electoral landscape.

Sources

1. Election Day freebies, discounts: Beer, queso, coffee
2. Election Day deals: Uber, Lyft and dining freebies today
3. Election Day deals: Uber, Lyft and dining freebies today
4. Americans head to the polls on Tuesday and can come away with more than an "I Voted" sticker
5. Election Day deals: Where to get freebies and deals
6. Vote and get rewarded with freebies on Election Day
7. It's Election Day in America, and some companies are offering deals and freebies to mark the occasion