Election Day Freebies Food Discounts Transportation Offers And Voter Rewards From 2016-2024

Election Day has become an occasion for businesses across various industries to offer special promotions, freebies, and discounts as both a marketing strategy and a civic engagement tool. These offers, available across multiple election cycles from 2016 through 2024, range from complimentary food items to transportation services and entertainment options. The promotions typically require proof of voting through an "I Voted" sticker or other documentation, though some offers have been available without such proof. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Election Day freebies and deals from recent election years, detailing what consumers can expect when participating in these promotions.

Food and Beverage Promotions

Food establishments have consistently been among the most prolific offerers of Election Day deals. These promotions have included complimentary items, discounts, and buy-one-get-one-free specials across various restaurant types and convenience stores.

Doughnut and Coffee Offers

Krispy Kreme has been one of the most consistent participants in Election Day promotions, offering free Original Glazed Doughnuts during multiple election cycles. In 2016, the chain provided one free doughnut of choice at participating U.S. shops without requiring a coupon. By 2020 and 2024, the promotion had evolved to include both a free Original Glazed Doughnut and an "I Voted" sticker, while supplies lasted. The California locations had some exceptions to participation, with certain cities not taking part in the offer.

7-Eleven has also regularly participated in Election Day promotions, offering free coffee at participating locations through their mobile app. In 2016, the convenience store chain provided this digital offer to encourage voter participation. The Pie Hole, a Los Angeles establishment, joined in by offering free coffee to anyone who presented a voting stub at their locations.

Dunkin' has structured its Election Day promotion differently, focusing on Free Coffee Wednesdays rather than Election Day itself. Through 2020, members of the chain's DD Perks loyalty program could receive a free medium hot or iced coffee on Wednesdays from November through December 23 at participating locations.

Restaurant Specials and Discounts

Full-service restaurants have developed their own Election Day promotions. Chili's has offered a Presidente Margarita for $5 along with a free commemorative sticker while supplies lasted. The chain has also hosted contests in conjunction with these promotions.

Johnny Rockets has provided free shakes to guests who could prove they voted, while Marco's Pizza offered a free medium pizza as part of their Election Day celebration in 2016. Fire House Subs contributed to the Election Day festivities by offering free medium drinks, and Noodles & Company provided buy-one-get-one-free coupons.

Fast-food chains have also participated in the trend. McDonald's has offered new pastry items with the purchase of a hot or iced coffee through its app, with the offer available once per day during the promotion period. In 2024, the chain extended this promotion to run from Election Day through November 9.

Beverage and Alcohol Offers

Alcohol establishments have gotten in on the Election Day action as well. The 1933 group, which operates multiple bars including Harlowe, Sassafras, Thirsty Crow, Bigfoot East and West, La Cuevita, Oldfield's, Idle Hour, and Highland Park Bowl, has offered complimentary shots of booze from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Election Day to patrons who showed their "I Voted" sticker. This promotion has been available during multiple election cycles.

Pizza and Casual Dining

Pizza chains have consistently offered Election Day deals. In addition to Marco's Pizza offering a free medium pizza in 2016, Fazoli's has provided $2 off their signature baked items including Baked Chicken Parmigiano and Spicy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage during Election Day. O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar has offered a Classic Cheeseburger made with double smash patties plus fries for $6, though their promotion ran from November 3-7, slightly extending beyond Election Day itself.

Food Delivery Services

Food delivery apps have developed Election Day promotions to encourage both voting and food ordering. DoorDash has offered free delivery on all orders with a $15 minimum placed on Election Day when using the promo code VOTE. Grubhub has provided access to more than 30 discounts in the Perks tab within their app, while GrubHub+ members have received deals on Starbucks, Wendy's, KFC, Arby's, and Little Caesars from November 3-10 in 2024.

Uber Eats has structured their promotion around election night timing, offering 25% off orders from 6 p.m. local time on Election Day until 7 a.m. the following morning. In 2024, they extended this to offer 25% off certain orders from Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.

Transportation and Mobility Offers

Transportation companies have recognized the importance of removing barriers to voting by offering discounted or free rides to polling places. These promotions have become increasingly common across multiple election cycles.

Rideshare Discounts

Both Uber and Lyft have consistently offered 50% off trips to polling places during Election Day. This promotion aims to make voting more accessible by reducing transportation costs, particularly for individuals who might otherwise face challenges getting to their polling locations.

Car Rental Offers

Hertz has participated in Election Day promotions through their "Drive the Vote" deal, offering one free day when customers rent two or more days through November 5. This promotion has been available during recent election cycles, providing an incentive for voters who might need transportation on Election Day.

Public Transit

Public transportation systems in various cities have offered free rides on Election Day to encourage voter participation. In Tucson, Arizona, Sun Tran and the city of Tucson provided free public transit on Election Day, including Sun Van and the Streetcar services. This initiative aimed to eliminate any financial barriers that might prevent citizens from reaching their polling places.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Offers

Beyond food and transportation, various entertainment and lifestyle businesses have developed Election Day promotions to engage with voters and encourage civic participation.

Sports and Entertainment

Dave & Buster's has offered Election Day deals including a $19.99 Eat, Drink, Play Combo Meal, $5 draft beers, and $5 Late Night Bites. The entertainment chain has structured these promotions to provide affordable options for voters looking to unwind after casting their ballots.

Tucson Roadrunners hockey team has offered a two-for-one ticket deal for Wednesday night's games to anyone who presented an "I Voted" sticker at their ticket office. This promotion aimed to reward voters while providing an entertaining outlet for post-election energy.

Fitness and Wellness

Gold's Gym has allowed anyone wearing an "I Voted" sticker to work out for free at any of their participating facilities. This promotion has been available during multiple election cycles, encouraging both physical activity and civic participation.

Breakout Dance Studio in Tucson has offered free dance lessons to individuals who could produce an "I Voted" sticker, providing an alternative way for voters to channel their election-related energy.

Retail Promotions

Foot Locker has distributed free limited-edition "I voted" pins to anyone who presented their voting day stickers at their stores. This promotion created a collectible element while encouraging voters to display their civic pride.

Ikea has offered free frozen yogurt on Election Day with a coupon, providing a light treat for voters as they shop or after casting their ballots.

Regional and Local Offers

While national chains dominate Election Day promotions, local businesses and regional organizations have also developed unique offers to encourage voting.

In Los Angeles, The Pie Hole has offered free coffee to anyone who brought a voting stub to their shops, providing a neighborhood-specific option for voters.

Memphis has seen participation from local organizations in addition to national chains. In 2024, a Memphis organization allowed voters to get to the polls for free, complementing the transportation offers from rideshare companies.

Tucson's Election Day promotions have included not only the hockey team and dance studio offers but also free public transportation, creating a comprehensive local initiative to encourage voter participation.

How to Access These Offers

Accessing Election Day freebies typically requires one of two methods: proof of voting through an "I Voted" sticker or other documentation, or simply taking advantage of a time-based promotion.

For offers requiring proof of voting: - Voters must typically present an "I Voted" sticker received at their polling place - Some establishments may accept other forms of voting documentation, though this is less common - Promotions are generally available only while supplies last or during specific hours

For time-based promotions: - Offers are typically available only on Election Day or during specific surrounding dates - Some promotions, like Dunkin's Free Coffee Wednesdays, extend beyond Election Day itself - Digital offers may require specific promo codes or app-based activation

Many food-related promotions require in-person visits to participating locations, while transportation and delivery offers may require app-based activation with specific promo codes. Regional variations are common, with some locations opting out of national promotions based on local business decisions.

Conclusion

Election Day freebies have evolved into a significant marketing strategy that simultaneously encourages civic participation and provides businesses with promotional opportunities. From Krispy Kreme's consistently free doughnuts to rideshare discounts and free public transportation, these offers span multiple industries and have been available across numerous election cycles from 2016 through 2024.

The promotions generally fall into three categories: food and beverage discounts, transportation offers, and lifestyle rewards. While most require proof of voting through an "I Voted" sticker, some are available to all customers during specific time periods. Regional variations are common, with local businesses developing unique offers alongside national chain promotions.

As Election Day approaches, voters can anticipate similar offers from businesses looking to engage with customers while supporting the democratic process. By taking advantage of these promotions, voters can not only exercise their civic duty but also receive tangible rewards for their participation in the electoral process.

Sources

1. Election Day Freebies: Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven, More
2. Freebies for Election Day: Restaurants, Businesses Offer Deals Tuesday
3. Here's the Free Stuff You Can Get on Election Day for Showing Proof That You Voted
4. Election Day Deals Include Discounts on Meals, Rides to the Polls: What's Available
5. Some Companies Are Offering Perks and Discounts on Election Day
6. Freebies Being Offered to Get Out the Vote