Election Day Freebies How Retailers Encourage Voting With Special Offers

Election Day in the United States has become not only a time for civic participation but also an opportunity for retailers and brands to attract customers with special offers and freebies. Major chains across various industries have developed promotions designed to encourage voter turnout while simultaneously stimulating their own business during what can be a slow retail period. These offers range from complimentary food items to discounts on services, creating a unique intersection between civic engagement and consumer incentives.

The practice of offering Election Day freebies has evolved over time, with many companies initially offering products specifically to voters but later adjusting their approach due to legal considerations. While the motivations behind these promotions may vary, they consistently serve as a reminder of the significant role that consumer brands play in American culture and civic life.

Starbucks Election Day Offers

Starbucks has been one of the most prominent participants in Election Day promotions, offering various incentives over the years. The coffee giant has implemented different strategies to engage customers during this significant civic occasion. According to company representatives, Starbucks has historically expected to distribute "hundreds of thousands" of complimentary beverages on Election Day, indicating the scale of their promotional efforts.

In one promotion, Starbucks offered free 12-ounce drip coffees, with each beverage valued at approximately $1.75. The company anticipated significant demand, with spokeswoman Jenny McCabe noting that "If everyone who votes comes in for a free cup of coffee, we'll have some lines." This suggests that the promotion was designed to drive foot traffic to stores throughout Election Day.

In another year, Starbucks shifted from offering free coffee to distributing free "Indivisible" wristbands to customers. This change in promotion strategy appears to reflect the company's adaptation to legal considerations while still maintaining customer engagement during Election Day.

More recently, Starbucks has offered delivery-specific promotions, providing 30% off delivery orders of $20 or more, with a maximum discount of $9. This approach targets customers who may prefer to watch election results from home while still enjoying their favorite Starbucks products.

Food and Beverage Election Day Offers

Beyond Starbucks, numerous food and beverage establishments have implemented Election Day promotions to attract customers. These offers range from complimentary items to percentage-based discounts, providing various incentives for consumers.

Krispy Kreme has consistently participated in Election Day promotions, offering free original glazed doughnuts with red, white, and blue sprinkles. The company has marketed this promotion under the theme of "doughmocracy," cleverly combining doughnut terminology with democratic participation. According to company spokesperson Dana Hughens, some of Krispy Kreme's 231 U.S. locations would distribute these specially decorated doughnuts "while supplies last," suggesting limited availability at participating stores.

Olive Garden has offered a free Dolcini dessert with the purchase of any entree to customers wearing an "I Voted" sticker. This promotion requires minimal purchase while still providing a valuable complimentary item, encouraging both voting and dining.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has implemented a voter-specific promotion, offering one $3 scoop of ice cream to customers wearing an "I Voted" sticker. The company has also noted that this deal can be combined with their weekly Topping Tuesday promotion, which allows customers to receive one free topping, effectively enhancing the value of the Election Day offer.

Yogurtland has similarly targeted voters with a 15% discount on frozen yogurt when customers present an "I Voted" sticker. This percentage-based discount provides flexibility for customers to customize their orders while still receiving a meaningful reduction in price.

Fazoli's has offered $2 off their signature baked items, including Baked Chicken Parmigiano and Spicy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. This targeted discount focuses on the restaurant's signature menu items, encouraging customers to try these specific products.

For delivery customers, KFC has provided $7 off orders of more than $25, making it easier for voters to enjoy their favorite fried chicken without leaving home. Similarly, Little Caesars has offered a free ExtraMostBestest Pizza with orders of at least $25, providing substantial value for customers meeting the minimum purchase requirement.

Wendy's has implemented a straightforward promotion, offering a free Baconator with orders of at least $25. This high-value item serves as a significant incentive for customers who might otherwise choose a different fast-food option on Election Day.

Entertainment and Service Industry Offers

Beyond food and beverage establishments, companies in other industries have also developed Election Day promotions to attract customers.

Blockbuster, despite the decline of physical media rental stores, has offered a free .99 rental to customers on Election Day. This promotion, while modest in value, acknowledges the company's attempt to remain relevant during a significant national event.

jetBlue has taken a unique approach by offering customers the opportunity to win a free flight through their election poll at jetblueelectionprotection.com. Participants who log in to Facebook can enter the drawing, providing an incentive that extends beyond Election Day itself.

Zipcar has offered a 50% discount on rates nationwide on Election Day, available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. This transportation-focused promotion aims to make voting more accessible by reducing the cost of travel to polling locations.

Dave & Buster's has implemented multiple promotions, including a $19.99 Eat, Drink, Play Combo Meal, $5 draft beers, and $5 Late Night Bites. These offers provide value across different parts of the customer experience, from food to entertainment.

Genghis Grill has offered 20% off orders when customers show their "I Voted" sticker, with the promotion limited to in-store purchases and excluding alcohol. This percentage-based discount provides flexibility for customers while still encouraging physical store visits.

O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar has extended their promotion beyond a single day, offering a Classic Cheeseburger made with double smash patties plus fries for $6 from November 3 to November 7. This multi-day promotion provides additional value for customers who may not be able to visit on Election Day itself.

Delivery Service Promotions

Several delivery services have implemented Election Day promotions to cater to customers who prefer to watch election results from home.

Uber Eats has offered 25% off delivery orders on Election Night, starting at 6 p.m. local time and extending until 7 a.m. the following morning. This promotion specifically targets the evening hours when many Americans are monitoring election results.

GrubHub+ has provided deals on multiple brands, including Starbucks, Wendy's, KFC, Arby's, and Little Caesars, extending through November 10. This membership-based promotion offers sustained value beyond Election Day itself, encouraging continued use of the service.

Legal and Marketing Considerations

The practice of offering Election Day freebies operates within a complex legal and marketing landscape. Federal law prohibits offering material rewards in exchange for voting, with potential penalties including imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both. This prohibition has been in place since 1948 and has been more rigorously enforced since the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

To navigate these legal restrictions, many companies have adjusted their promotional strategies. Rather than offering products exclusively to voters, they now provide freebies or discounts to all customers, eliminating any appearance of offering rewards specifically for voting. This approach addresses potential legal concerns while still encouraging voter turnout and stimulating business.

From a marketing perspective, Election Day promotions serve multiple purposes. According to Allison Cohen, president of market research firm PeopleTalk, these offers are designed to stimulate business during a potentially slow period. The strategy aims to encourage customers to purchase additional items to complement their free offerings, thereby increasing overall sales.

The scale of these promotions can be substantial. Starbucks, for example, has anticipated distributing hundreds of thousands of complimentary beverages, indicating the significant investment companies make in these initiatives. The expected long lines at many retail locations demonstrate the potential impact these promotions can have on foot traffic and customer engagement.

Conclusion

Election Day freebies have become a significant marketing strategy for numerous brands across various industries. From complimentary coffee and doughnuts to discounts on entertainment and delivery services, these offers provide value to consumers while encouraging civic participation. Companies like Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and Olive Garden have developed consistent promotional approaches, while others have implemented creative strategies to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

The legal considerations surrounding voter incentives have shaped how companies structure these promotions, with many shifting from voter-specific offers to general discounts available to all customers. This evolution reflects both legal compliance and the continued desire of brands to associate themselves with civic engagement.

For consumers, Election Day promotions provide an opportunity to enjoy complimentary items or discounts while participating in the democratic process. However, it's important to note that offers may vary by location and are subject to change, so checking with individual stores is recommended.

As these promotions continue to evolve, they represent an interesting intersection between commerce and civic life, demonstrating how brands can engage with consumers around significant national events while still operating within legal boundaries.

Sources

1. ABC News - Voters can vote to pick up free stuff on Election Day
2. WTKR - Starbucks, Olive Garden offer Election Day freebies
3. People - Restaurants with discounts for voters on Election Day 2024
4. Commercial Appeal - Election Day food deals near me
5. Slate - Why Starbucks can't use free coffee to help get out the vote
6. Courier Journal - Deals on Election Day 2024