Los Angeles Election Day Freebies Food Drinks And Transportation Deals For Voters

Election Day in Los Angeles has become synonymous not just with civic duty but also with an array of freebies and special offers designed to reward voters for their participation. Restaurants, food chains, transportation services, and various businesses across the city traditionally provide incentives for those who cast their ballots, with most offers requiring the presentation of an "I Voted" sticker. These promotions span categories from food and beverages to transportation and wellness services, creating a diverse landscape of benefits for engaged citizens. While specific offers may vary by year, the tradition of Election Day freebies has become a notable feature of the Los Angeles voting experience.

Food and Drink Freebies

Los Angeles voters can typically count on numerous food and drink establishments offering special deals on Election Day. These promotions range from free items to significant discounts, often requiring only the display of an "I Voted" sticker.

Pizza and Italian

Several pizza and Italian restaurants participate in the Election Day freebies tradition. Prime Pizza offers a free slice of pizza to anyone wearing an "I Voted" sticker at all of its locations. Atwater Village pizzeria Hail Mary provides a free slice to anyone with proof that they voted, though this offer is limited to takeout and not available for delivery. For those seeking Italian cuisine, Fazoli's offers $2 off in-store purchases of specific pasta dishes including chicken parmigiano, loaded baked spaghetti, and spicy baked ziti with Italian sausage. Pitfire Pizza locations in downtown Los Angeles and North Hollywood provide a free bottle of Jones Soda or draft beer to customers who show their "I Voted" sticker.

Coffee and Bakeries

The coffee and bakery scene in Los Angeles traditionally embraces Election Day promotions with enthusiasm. Valerie Confections offers a free cookie at its Glendale location (1936 W. Glenoaks Boulevard) and Echo Park location (1665 Echo Park Avenue) to those wearing an "I Voted" sticker. Pie Hole L.A. provides a free coffee of choice with purchase at both its downtown location (714 Traction Ave.) and Hollywood location (6314 Hollywood Blvd.). Milk Jar offers free patriotic cookies, while Joan's On Third hands out free cupcakes when customers flash their "I Voted" sticker. Additionally, 7-Eleven provides free coffee through its mobile app, and Corner Bakery Cafe offers a free brewed or cold brewed coffee of any size with a purchase when showing an "I Voted" sticker.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, multiple dessert establishments participate in Election Day freebies. Krispy Kreme consistently offers hot, fresh glazed doughnuts to voters on Election Day, with one doughnut provided per person. Junior's Restaurant & Cheesecake, though based in Brooklyn, extends its Election Day offers to Los Angeles patrons, providing half off cheesecake slices with any entree, along with five dollars off whole cakes in-restaurant and seven dollars off all cakes online through Thursday. Lemonade offers a free 12-ounce lemonade when customers show their "I Voted" sticker at any location.

Alcoholic Beverages

Several establishments offer alcoholic beverages to reward voters. Ka'teen provides free margaritas to anyone wearing an "I Voted" sticker, with reservations available through Resy. The 1933 Group, which owns multiple bars in Los Angeles including Harlowe, Thirsty Crow, La Cuevita, Bigfoot West, Bigfoot East, Idle Hour, Sassafrass, and Oldfield's, offers a free shot of booze between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. to customers who present their voting sticker. Taste on Melrose provides a free glass of bubbly with purchase, while bars owned by the 1933 Group offer $1 Moscow Mules or Old Fashioneds from 5 to 7 p.m. for anyone with an "I Voted" sticker.

Other Restaurant Deals

Beyond these categories, numerous other restaurants participate in Election Day promotions. Dave & Buster's offers $5 beers on November 5. Flat Top Grill provides 20% off the in-store tab (excluding alcohol) for those who stop in with their sticker. Johnny Rockets offers a free non-vegan milkshake with any in-store purchase when customers mention the "Free Shake" offer at the register. Boston Market provides a coupon for a free late-night slider after 9 p.m. for those staying up to watch election returns.

Transportation Deals

Getting to the polls is made easier through various transportation freebies and discounts offered on Election Day in Los Angeles. These options help remove potential barriers to voting by providing cost-effective travel solutions.

Public Transit

Public transportation in Los Angeles becomes complimentary on Election Day, making it easier for residents to reach polling stations. Metro trains, buses, and bike shares in Los Angeles are free to ride on Election Day. This complimentary service extends to several other transit systems in the area, including Long Beach Transit, Baldwin Park Transit, Pasadena Transit, and Santa Clarita Transit. Additionally, mass transit passengers in Los Angeles can drop their ballots off in drop-off boxes located at 19 rail and bus stations, providing convenient options for those who may have received their ballots by mail but prefer not to mail them back.

Ride-Sharing Services

Ride-sharing companies typically offer Election Day promotions to encourage voters to use their services to reach polling locations. Uber provides $10 off a single ride to the polls on Election Day with the promo code VOTE2018. Lyft offers 50% off rides to most voting locations, making it an affordable option for voters who need transportation. These services help ensure that voters without access to personal vehicles can still easily reach their polling places.

Car Rental Offers

Car rental companies also participate in Election Day promotions. Hertz offers one free day when renting a vehicle for at least two days on or around Election Day. This benefit applies to both Election Day and the following day. Similarly, Zipcar provides $20 toward a future trip with an Election Day rental, offering an incentive for those who might need temporary transportation on voting day.

Other Freebies and Discounts

Beyond food and transportation, Los Angeles voters can access a variety of other freebies and discounts on Election Day. These offers span different categories, from fitness and wellness to retail and professional services.

Fitness and Wellness

For those looking to alleviate election-related stress or maintain their fitness routines, several wellness businesses offer Election Day promotions. Planet Fitness provides a free workout and hydro-massage service, offering voters a way to decompress after casting their ballots or while waiting for election results. This promotion acknowledges the stressful nature of elections and provides voters with an opportunity to focus on their physical well-being during what can be an emotionally charged time.

Retail and Services

Retail establishments and service providers also participate in Election Day freebies. Footlocker offers Pintrill pins to customers who trade in their "I Voted" stickers, providing voters with a more permanent commemorative item. Cristophe salons, with locations in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, offer 50% off services to customers who present their "I Voted" sticker. This discount extends to salon services including haircuts, styling, and other treatments, making Election Day an opportune time for voters to address their personal care needs.

Special Offers for Poll Workers

Poll workers receive special recognition through Election Day freebies organized by non-profit organizations. Feed the Polls, a non-profit, sends out catering trucks from The Habit to feed poll workers at several locations until 3 p.m. These feeding stations are established at multiple sites including the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center in Calabasas, E C Bilbrew Library in Los Angeles, Carver Elementary School in Los Angeles, Lucy Avalos Community Center in Lynwood, Citizens of Zion Missionary Church in Los Angeles, and Rosecrans Recreation Center. This initiative acknowledges the important work performed by poll workers and ensures they are sustained during their long hours of service.

Tips for Maximizing Election Day Freebies

While Election Day freebies are abundant, voters can take certain steps to ensure they can take advantage of as many offers as possible. Understanding the requirements and limitations of these promotions helps voters plan their day effectively.

Preparation

The most crucial preparation for accessing Election Day freebies is obtaining and preserving an "I Voted" sticker after casting a ballot. This sticker serves as proof of voting and is required for most offers. Voters should be careful not to lose or damage this sticker after receiving it at their polling place. Additionally, voters should check the specific terms of each promotion, as some may require additional actions such as mentioning a specific code at checkout, making a purchase, or using a particular app.

Timing Considerations

Many Election Day freebies have time limitations that voters should note. Some offers are valid only during specific hours, such as the 1933 Group bars' free shot of booze available between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. Others, like Boston Market's free late-night slider, are available only after 9 p.m. Transportation discounts typically apply only on Election Day itself, while some restaurant offers may extend into the following day. Voters should plan their schedules accordingly to maximize these opportunities.

Verification and Documentation

When claiming freebies, voters should be prepared to verify their participation in the election. In addition to the "I Voted" sticker, some establishments may request to see a voter registration card or other identification. Having these documents readily available can streamline the process of claiming offers. For app-based promotions like those from Uber or 7-Eleven, voters should ensure their mobile devices are charged and that they have the necessary apps installed and logged in before heading to the polls.

Conclusion

Election Day in Los Angeles has evolved to include a rich tradition of freebies and special offers that reward voters for their civic participation. From food and drink establishments to transportation providers and wellness services, businesses across the city demonstrate their support for democratic engagement through these promotions. The variety of available options ensures that voters with different interests and needs can find incentives that appeal to them, whether they're seeking a sweet treat after voting, a way to get to the polls without cost, or a service to help alleviate election-related stress.

These freebies serve not only as rewards for voters but also as reminders of the important role citizens play in the democratic process. By making Election Day more enjoyable and accessible, these promotions help reinforce the value of voting and encourage greater participation in elections. As Los Angeles voters head to the polls, they can take advantage of these benefits while fulfilling their civic duty, creating a positive and rewarding experience that may encourage future engagement in the electoral process.

Sources

1. Election Day Deals and Freebies in Los Angeles
2. Freebies and Deals Being Offered on Election Day
3. Election Day Deals 2024: Restaurants
4. Free Stuff: The 'I Voted' Sticker and Election Day
5. Shops and Restaurants Elect to Offer Freebies to Voters
6. Election Day Freebies, Voters Free Rides, Doughnuts, Massages