Election Day Freebies Food Drinks And Discounts For Voters

Election Day in the United States has evolved beyond just the civic duty of casting a ballot. Many businesses have embraced this important democratic occasion as an opportunity to offer special promotions and freebies to voters. These incentives range from complimentary food and beverages to discounts on various services, providing an additional reason for citizens to participate in the electoral process. This article examines the various Election Day freebies and promotions available across different years and regions, highlighting how businesses have participated in encouraging voter engagement through special offers.

Food and Drink Freebies for Voters

Food and beverage establishments have been particularly generous with Election Day promotions, offering everything from donuts and coffee to complete meals and alcoholic beverages. These offers typically require proof of voting, usually in the form of an "I Voted" sticker or ballot stub.

Donut and Pastry Offers

Krispy Kreme has established itself as a regular participant in Election Day promotions, offering free donuts to voters at participating locations. In 2016, the chain provided a free donut to customers who mentioned the offer at participating shops, though some California locations did not participate, including those in Brentwood, Chico, Concord, Pinole, Riverbank, Roseville, Sacramento, Stockton, Vacaville, West Sacramento and Yuba City. Great American Cookie also joined in by offering one free cookie to customers sporting an "I Voted" sticker. Eleni's New York provided a 10 percent discount on all election-themed bakery sweets with the promo code ELECTION2016 until November 8.

Coffee Promotions

Coffee shops have been consistent in offering Election Day deals. In 2016, 7-Eleven provided free any-size coffee to customers who downloaded the 7-Eleven mobile app and scanned the 7Rewards barcode at checkout, limiting the offer to one free cup per customer. The Pie Hole in Los Angeles offered free coffee to anyone who brought a voting stub to any of their shops. In the Bay Area, 1951 Coffee's flagship location handed out free drip coffee all day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Election Day.

Restaurant Specials

Numerous restaurant chains have offered Election Day promotions, with varying requirements and limitations:

• BurgerFi offered a $5 Conflicted Burger (normally $8 or $9) on November 8 after customers showed their "I Voted" sticker, with a limit of one per customer.
• Super Duper Burgers provided free fries to those who showed an "I Voted" sticker or ballot stub.
• Bob Evans offered 30 percent off the entire check with a coupon after 2 p.m. on Election Day only.
• Church's Chicken provided a seven-piece mixed chicken, large side, and four biscuits for $8.99 with a coupon until November 8.
• Bahama Breeze offered $10 off a $30 purchase with a coupon until November 8.
• East Coast Wings & Grill gave five free HBBQ wings with the purchase of an adult entrée.
• Firehouse Subs provided a free medium drink for wearing an "I Voted" sticker on November 8.
• Duffy's Sports Grill in Florida offered a free order of red velvet mini donuts with any meal purchase for customers showing their "I Voted" sticker or mentioning they voted.

In the Bay Area, several establishments created Election Night specials: - White Rabbit Bar and Balboa Cafe engaged in a friendly competition with "SUPER Taco + Tequila TUESDAY" promotions. - Pabu offered a complimentary Paper Plane to guests showing their "I Voted" sticker. - Canela Bistro provided a special election night to-go menu including wine, cheese, flatbread, fried chicken, and dessert, along with free Election Themed Mad Libs with purchase while supplies lasted.

In Houston for the 2024 election, several restaurants offered voter-specific promotions: - Piola provided free margherita pizza to those showing proof of voting or an "I Voted" sticker (dine-in only with a drink or food order). - Roma offered a free glass of prosecco when customers showed their "I Voted" sticker. - Star Sailor offered free smash burgers to those showing their "I Voted" sticker (one per person). - The Union Kitchen provided a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrees for voters showing an "I Voted" sticker at all five locations (dine-in only). - Winnie's offered $1 daiquiris with the purchase of food when voters showed their "I Voted" sticker.

Alcohol Promotions

Some establishments recognized the need for a post-voting celebration by offering alcoholic beverages. In 2016, the 1933 group offered complimentary shots of booze from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. when customers showed their "I Voted" sticker at any of their bars. This promotion acknowledged the often-contentious nature of election campaigns and provided voters with an opportunity to unwind after participating in the democratic process.

Delivery and Takeout Options

As consumer habits shifted toward delivery and takeout, especially during the 2020 election, many businesses adapted their Election Day promotions to accommodate these preferences. DoorDash offered free delivery on all orders with a $15 minimum placed on Election Day with the promo code VOTE. Burger King provided $3 off orders of $18 or more through Grubhub, while PF Chang's offered $10 off for new Grubhub customers. These options allowed voters to still access Election Day deals without needing to visit physical locations, particularly valuable during the pandemic when many were minimizing in-person interactions.

Retail and Service Discounts

Beyond food and beverages, various retail and service establishments have offered Election Day promotions:

• Fat Cat Creamery provided a complimentary scoop to customers who came in with an "I Voted" sticker.
• Planet Fitness offered everyone who voted a free workout and free HydroMassage from Tuesday, November 3 through November 8.
• Michael's Cookie Jar gave out a free cookie to voters who had their "I Voted" sticker.
• Office Depot historically offered five pounds of free document shredding on Tax Day.

Regional Variations in Promotions

Election Day freebies often vary significantly by region and even by specific location within a chain. For instance, some Krispy Kreme locations in California did not participate in the 2016 donut promotion, while Duffy's Sports Grill specifically mentioned their promotion was available at their Florida locations, which they identified as a swing state. Similarly, restaurant promotions in Houston for the 2024 election were specific to certain neighborhoods within the city.

The Bay Area had its unique set of promotions in 2020, including special to-go menus from Canela Bistro and friendly competition between White Rabbit Bar and Balboa Cafe. These regional variations demonstrate how businesses tailor their promotions to local markets and customer preferences.

Requirements and Limitations

Most Election Day promotions come with specific requirements and limitations that consumers should be aware of:

• Proof of voting: Nearly all offers require showing an "I Voted" sticker or ballot stub.
• Location restrictions: Participation may vary by specific store or restaurant location.
• Time limitations: Many offers are only valid on Election Day itself, during specific hours, or for a limited time period.
• Purchase requirements: Some offers require a minimum purchase to qualify.
• App-based offers: Some promotions, like 7-Eleven's free coffee, require downloading a specific app and scanning a barcode.
• One-per-customer limits: Many offers restrict the promotion to one item per customer.
• Dine-in requirements: Some restaurant promotions are only valid for dine-in customers.

Tax Day vs. Election Day Promotions

While this article focuses on Election Day freebies, it's worth noting that other civic occasions also inspire promotional offers. Tax Day, for instance, has become another opportunity for businesses to attract customers with special deals. In 2017, Tax Day freebies included:

• Bob Evans: 30 percent off carry-out or dine-in meals with a coupon
• Boston Market: A half-chicken meal with two sides, cornbread, a fountain drink, and a cookie for $10.40
• Hooters: Kids 12 and younger eat free with an adult purchase of $10 or more for each free kids meal
• JetBlue: A drawing for 1,000 one-way flights for those who owed money to the IRS
• Office Depot: Five pounds of free document shredding

These promotions demonstrate how businesses align their marketing with significant dates on the calendar, turning potentially stressful occasions like tax filing into opportunities for customer engagement.

Historical Patterns in Election Day Promotions

Examining promotions across different years reveals some interesting patterns:

1. Consistent participants: Krispy Kreme has consistently offered free donuts on multiple Election Days across different years.
2. Expansion of offer types: Early promotions were primarily food-focused, but have expanded to include services, retail items, and experiences.
3. Adaptation to changing consumer behavior: The rise of food delivery services led to more app-based and delivery-specific promotions.
4. Political awareness: Some promotions acknowledge the divisive nature of elections (like BurgerFi's "Conflicted Burger").
5. Civic pride: Many promotions explicitly tie the offer to the act of voting, reinforcing the value of civic participation.

How to Find and Access Election Day Freebies

For consumers interested in taking advantage of Election Day promotions, the following strategies can be helpful:

1. Check social media: Many businesses announce their Election Day deals on their social media channels in advance.
2. Look for local promotions: Regional and local businesses often participate in Election Day promotions that may not be widely advertised nationally.
3. Verify participation: Since participation can vary by location, it's wise to call ahead or check the business's website to confirm they're offering the promotion.
4. Prepare documentation: Bring your "I Voted" sticker or ballot stub to ensure you can access voter-specific offers.
5. Check terms and conditions: Be aware of any purchase requirements, time limitations, or other restrictions that may apply.
6. Download necessary apps: Some promotions require specific apps, so download these in advance to avoid delays.

The Business Case for Election Day Promotions

From a business perspective, Election Day promotions serve several purposes:

1. Customer acquisition: Freebies and discounts attract new customers who might not otherwise visit the establishment.
2. Community engagement: Participating in civic occasions demonstrates a business's connection to its community.
3. Positive brand association: Aligning with democratic values can enhance a brand's image.
4. Increased foot traffic: Promotions bring more customers into physical locations, potentially leading to additional purchases.
5. Media coverage: Election Day promotions often receive media attention, providing valuable exposure.
6. Employee morale: Some businesses use Election Day as an opportunity to thank both customers and employees for their civic participation.

Conclusion

Election Day freebies have become a notable tradition across the United States, with businesses from large chains to local establishments offering incentives to encourage voter participation. These promotions range from complimentary food and beverages to discounts on services and retail items, often requiring only proof of voting in the form of an "I Voted" sticker. While participation varies by year, region, and even specific locations, the consistent pattern of Election Day deals demonstrates how businesses have found meaningful ways to engage with customers during this important civic occasion. For consumers, these promotions offer an additional benefit to participating in the democratic process, making Election Day not just a day of civic duty but also an opportunity to enjoy special treats and discounts.

Sources

1. The Fiscal Times - Election Day Freebies: 17 Tasty Treats for Voters
2. Click2Houston - Here are some election day freebies, discounts and deals to look out for
3. The Bold Italic - The best Bay Area takeout orders and freebies on Election Day
4. Los Angeles Times - Here's the free stuff you can get on election day for showing proof that you voted
5. ABC11 - Freebies on Election Day
6. CBS News - Tax day specials, freebies, deals
7. Eater Houston - Houston election 2024 vote voting freebies free food pizza drink